|
Courtyard and Brick Wall
|
He still had yet to adjust to the fact that come the end of summer, there was no boarding the Hogwarts Express with the rest of his peers and head back to school. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but it meant that he was trying extra hard to be intentional about spending time this summer with the people who mattered to him before they were all on their separate ways. Whether that be someone staying here for uni or otherwise while he left or going back to school like his sisters or Jude. Today the itinerary was to spend some quality time with Ashley. He'd happened by a newsstand, and while he generally tried to ignore those lest Witch Weekly have something outrageous to say about his cousin, a muggle piece had caught his attention with the Fox name on it. He didn't pick it up to look any further, figuring if it was truth and something he needed to know - his friend would tell him in her own time. But the glance alone still left him more concerned about the girl he was generally concerned about to begin with. So... lunch. Outside, where there were no accidental mirrors. Finding a decent table, Evan sat himself down and leaned back in the chair, taking a look around while waiting for his friend to arrive. |
Ash was fashionably late, the fashion being that it had taken forever to get out of the house when she felt like garbage and didn't want to go anywhere. But she was here- she was here, hoping that Evan hadn't given up on her and left already. And it was a nice day. And stuff. Dressed in jeans and a purple sweater, Ash looked around the leaky cauldron for her friend. Only she didn't see him, so she stood around until someone pointed her in Evan's direction. She followed out to the courtyard, grinning just a little when she spotted him. She ran over, then stopped a little in front of him as she decided whether to sit down or ask for a hug... She held out her arms. "Can I hug you? Or have a hug? Or?" Please? |
Evan was past his days of giving up on people. Especially not people who didn't give up on him first. He had noticed Ash was running late, but he was unbothered for the time being. Eventually it would reach a point of concern, but not of anger. And thankfully, she'd arrived before the extra concern had even had a chance to begin. Smiling and giving a wave when he spotted her heading his direction, he pushed aside the book he'd retrieved from his bag and let his eyes scan for a moment to make sure she was in one piece. So far, so good. Her polite request had him giving a small chuckle, before he stood from his seat and enfolded her in a hug, giving the smallest squeeze. "Anytime you want one." She was one of the few that he didn't mind. "It's good to see you. I like the purple." It was cheery, even if maybe she wasn't. Though he couldn't tell yet. |
SPOILER!!: Bestie Evan <3 "Thanks, it's a new sweater I'm trying out." Ash smiled a bit more as she was wrapped up into an Evan Hug + Smallest Squeeze(TM). Evan was the best. He was here and he didn't leave and he gave her a hug and he was still happy to see her and everything. She appreciated her best friend so much... happier, she sat down at his table. "Sorry I'm late. I tried my best to be on time this time." And she was less late than usual. She still felt sorry. She hadn't wanted to waste his time. "It's so good to see you. Have you ordered yet?" She really really hoped she hadn't kept him waiting long enough to get hungry because if she did she would feel really bad and she already felt kind of bad and she didn't want to make Evan feel bad because he was hungry and... .................... ...she was only fifteen minutes late. Which was good. Sort of. She relaxed. "Is that a good book?" |
Trying new things was certainly a good thing. "Well, I think it works well for you." Once she sat down, he went ahead and moved himself back into the chair he'd been previously occupying. At her apology, he simply shook his head and gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "You don't need to apologize. I don't mind waiting. The best part of gap year is I have all the time in the world." For a year anyways. But he was hoping to take advantage of that year in every way possible. "It's good to see you too." He was wishing he had gone ahead and ordered, only if to not make her more self conscious when she didn't need to be. So it was with some hesitancy he shook his head, before offering "Not yet. I was having a hard time deciding. Do you know what you'd like?" The question on the book had him reaching for it and holding it up, Moby Dick. "I haven't decided if I like it yet. I don't read much fiction but it seemed like perhaps this might be a fun one to give a go on." Considering there was not much time left until his own voyage. "You found any good books lately with our new freedom?" |
Ash was having a gap year too. Only she didn't know how long the gap was, and she hoped it was short because the gap that she'd found herself stuck in was very much unplanned. She also had all the time in the world, and that meant lots of time to paint, and she thought that was okay. But she wanted the businesspeople she had talked to to get back to her, and she wanted to get her charity started, and she sort of wished her dad was still around to help (a certain boyfriend wouldn't have liked to hear this, nor would her other friends). Ash hated being stuck. But she liked having time to do things and travel. That was nice. And if she never amounted to anything in life, she had enough money to travel and paint until she died. That was also nice, not having to worry. Of course, she was still worried about her safety. Just not about her money. So maybe she was actually fine? ...what were they talking about? "I was going to have fish and chips," Ash volunteered. "No magical side effects, plus I like it." She usually stuck to foods that she'd already tried when sitting in magical restaurants. She looked at Evan's book closely. "I haven't read that one. I think I have it though. It's about a whale, right?" Ash shrugged at his question. "I haven't been reading much... mostly painting... but I have been picking out books to read. A friend suggested finding more things to do with my time, so I pick out a new book every week. Starting last week. And I haven't read it yet." Ash laughed, running a hand through her hair. "But I'm going to." She promised, which likely didn't mean all that much in this case. But she did mean to read it!!! She just hadn't hade the time. |
He observed her as she seemed to get lost in her thoughts. And while he considered asking her what was on her mind, he was still a firm believer of letting people share what they wanted - on their own time. So he remained silent, until she stated what she would be getting for food and he glanced back down at his menu briefly to decide if he wanted anything different than his usual. Which... the answer was no. "I'll get Shepherd's pie. Want anything to drink? I can go place our orders." Her reasoning for choice was sound. Evan wasn't particularly fond of magical side effect foods either - he much preferred simple no-maj delicacies. Glancing over at his book again, he nodded at the question. He wasn't far into it, but the whale part he could confirm - especially considering there was also a whale tail on the cover. "Yeah. I still have a lot to go to get to the meat of the story I think, but it does seem to be about a whale." Or maybe a journey around a whale. Time would tell. He chuckled as she explained about books, and that she hadn't started her new reading goals but she was working on it. He just nodded - it was her free time, she could certainly spend it however she saw fit, even if that meant she did not actually pick up the book. There would be no judgement from him. "What have you been painting lately?" |
SPOILER!!: Bestie Evan <3 "I'd like an orange juice." Ash associated orange juice with being for children, but she wasn't really a proper adult and anyway, she liked orange juice very much. "It would be very nice of you to order for us." It would also be more efficient that if she was the one doing it, though of course she was totally capable of doing it herself. "You haven't decided if you like it or not yet?" Usually Ash knew by the first page whether she felt like reading it or not. When she liked it, she added it to her to-be-read bookshelf. When she didn't, she added it to her 'books I own but don't want to read' bookshelf. Evan seemed like someone who would take a bit longer though, and get through a bunch of the book before making his final deliberation. Somehow, that made her smile. His question on her art made her smile too. Didn't Evan know that asking her about her art would lead to her showing him some? He humored her too much. Which she appreciated. "I've been painting so much! I've got my boyfriend, and my brother, and me, and my cat, and my flower vase, and the view from my balcony, and me playing piano, and so so many other things." She pulled out a bunch of art to show him, happily pointing out the different subjects. "Maybe we can talk more about what we've been doing after we get the food? I've got kind of a lot to say..." And she didn't want to keep him waiting or ruin his appetite. |
He made a mental note of her order, giving a nod in understanding as he started to push his chair back again and raised to his full height. "Happy to do it." It was quicker and easier and plus maybe gave her a moment to relax after her arrival. Knowing each other for seven years certainly wasn't for anything, because she certainly had him pegged in this regard. Evan honestly was the type to go through the entire book and then have a few days to deliberate on it's meaning (if there was one) before he decided on if it was something he actually had enjoyed. Those were the moments when he truly sympathized with how exhausting it probably was to be his friend. "No, not yet. Probably a couple more chapters." That was probably a lie. Knowing that fact about art was actually why he asked it. He happened to like seeing her artwork, which was why he'd also often requested she draw things on his arms to use the tattoo charm on. That was probably his most used spell and had certainly been a highlight of school. The comment boyfriend had him raising an eyebrow and his head tilted questioningly. "Boyfriend?" He was truly bad at keeping up on relationships, even on those he cared about. Moving to the other side of the table, he looked at each piece she'd pulled before pointing at the one of her playing piano. "I think that's one of my favorites. But these are all really good. When do we get an Ashley Fox gallery?" At her comment, he straightened again and nodded his head. "That sounds good. I'll be right back." He was curious to hear what she said anyways. After going in, it wasn't too much longer until he'd come back with food in hand - drinks levitating behind. Putting her fish and chips in front of her and his shepherd's pie, he then grabbed the drinks as well and took his seat again. "Leaky Cauldron has pretty good food. It's nice being able to get it now whenever we want." |
SPOILER!!: Evan <3 "Are there only a few chapters left in the book?" Ash inquired teasingly. She was surprised he was so close to forming his opinion! All jokes aside, she loved Evan's reading tendencies. She loved Evan in general. He was the best best friend that she could've asked for, and she always liked his calm and logical way of thinking (even when it meant that he took forever to make his book opinions that Ash had decided by looking at the font on the cover). She grinned at the mention of the boyfriend. "Yes, boyfriend!!!" Of course, she'd told Evan all about him and how much she liked him while they were at school, but now they were BOYFRIEND and GIRLFRIEND. And she never passed up on an opportunity to mention it, whether it was a conscious decision or not. Didn't Evan think he was hot from her paintings? Didn't Evan agree that he looked like the sweetest? please say yes please say yes. "I'm getting a gallery once my art becomes famous and I get all in the news because I'm so wonderful." She paused awkwardly. "Well I'm already in the news, as you've probably seen. But maybe one day I'll be in the arts section." Or maybe the business section. She'd get her own profile and everything. Maybe one day. She let Evan go and get their food, spending the time drawing. She was always drawing. In every spare moment. Because she had little to do, and she was anxious for her best friend to get back. "I have been making a list of my favorite restaurants in my area. I really like the freedom of being graduated and being able to do as I wish, don't you?" |
He couldn't help the laugh at her question, forgetting apparently for a mental just how well she knew him. "Alright I'm only like halfway through. Which means I'm halfway to an opinion." He teased back, though in reality… it probably wasn't a joke. It was one of the nicest things in the world to have people who understood him now and seemed to fully accept, even appreciate, his oddities. He over thought pretty much everything, but he was lucky enough now to have people who seemed to see that as one of his strengths - instead of a reason to avoid him. It was amazing that Hogwarts was what gave him that, when he had been so determined to never return after his second year. Which clearly didn't happen. Thank goodness. He liked seeing her happy, though were he entirely honest he'd been a little bit hoping for Blake and Ash. But he'd also always been a little bit hopeful for Margaret and Blake. Essentially he just wanted to see them all happy, so if she was now.. then he was happy for her. He was not the most astute when it came to spotting people as 'sweet' or 'hot', but if that's what she wanted to hear from him he'd be happy to supply the words if it gave her pleasure. "Then I'm surely we'll have an Ashley Fox gallery every day. And I'll be there every night." His smile turned a little more solemn at her words, and he would have asked but.. he was now committed to food. And imagined that's in part what she wanted to talk about after they had that in their stomach. "I'll only be checking the arts page." He settled on saying, before having disappeared for their meal. Once he'd settled back in his seat on his return, he craned his head to try to get a look at her newest addition. "what drawing were you working on now?" He asked, before a forkful of shepherd's pie made it to his mouth. He nodded at her question, mouth currently too full to give a verbal answer, until he swallowed the mouthful at least. "I don't think I've ever read this many books, just to read a book." |
SPOILER!!: Evan <3 "Well halfway to an opinion is pretty good," Ash replied, a tiny smile on her lips. "Your book opinions are probably better than mine. I make up my mind too quickly." That was why they were great best friends- opposites attract, and all that. Evan was slow and sure at things, and Ash did everything with haste whenever she wanted to. It was perfect, in her opinion. She smiled. Ash could have told him that Ash and Blake hadn't happened and Blake and Margaret wasn't happening anymore, but that wasn't what was on her mind. What WAS on her mind was trying to convince Evan that her boyfriend was the best. He seemed to be going along with it, which made her happy even though she didn't think he had really formed an opinion on Rome yet. "The Ashley Fox Gallery has free entry. for you." She laughed, and fiddled with the newspaper article in her pocket. She nodded at Evan's last words before getting their food. "I appreciate that..." She didn't really like being in the news right now. She liked that he wouldn't read it. "Currently, I'm making a self portrait. From pictures. I'll show it to you when I finish!" It didn't look like her yet. "I'm not much of a reader, as you know. But I've also been doing things for myself, instead of for school. I enjoy it." She felt so free. And of course there were drawbacks, like being lonely, and being free to make bad decisions, but overall Ash was happier on her own. |
SPOILER!!: Ash He smiled in appreciation at her encouragement, giving a shake of his head almost immediately after. "My opinions aren't better. Just different. And we need both for their to ever been interesting and scholarly debates about any topics." They needed the Ash's of the world, able to do things in haste, and he supposed there was some benefit to individuals who were slow and methodical like himself. The yin and yangs of the world. Truthfully, he probably would have had a hard time following it all anyways - it had been so long since he'd checked in on relationships. So focusing on the current one that seemed to be giving her joy was far better suited for him in the moment. "I'm entirely honored." Though he'd happily pay too. Eventually, he'd have to find himself a good paying job so that he could donate a bunch of money to his friend's successful businesses. Or, in her case, non-profits. But for now... he wasn't rushing into figuring that out, happy enough to live on what was left of his tutoring money he'd saved over the last 7 years and his parents. "Of course." He preferred to hear things straight from the horses mouth anyways. News and tabloids could never be trusted, there was too much bias in the world. "I would love to see that." It certainly sounded like an interesting project idea. Another bite of shepherd's pie went into his mouth, chewing as he listened to her before adding his follow up questions. "What does doing things for yourself entail? Other than the art." Since they'd covered that portion. |
For he whom I adore! <3 Fresh air was nice. Yes. Rafa wanted fresh air, not because he worked with owls and this entailed a lot of poo plus all the other smelliness that came with the territories. No, it had to do with the fact that, despite winter almost being upon the United Kingdom, it was still a beautiful day out. The owl caretaker held his lunch {Veela hair pasta, mashed potatoes and pork chops - an odd combo, he knew - a slice of apple pie and ice cold butterbeer} which he had ordered indoors. With his twin brother’s wedding that upcoming weekend, he had offered to take some time off to help with the last minute preparations. Gabriel had assured him he and his tall, dark and handsome future husband had everything under control. So, that left Rafa with time on his hands to lunch at leisure and do all the things he wanted, and when the time came, to show up dateless at the wedding. Rafa was certain his sister and mother would not be amused. “A problem for Saturday,’’ he remarked to himself, taking a seat then unfurling a copy of today’s Prophet. What could possibly be interesting in there today? |
SPOILER!!: For she whom I admire <3 Dash was out here in these Northern streets of Diagon Alley. He was done visiting some relatives who entertained him plenty. Being away from his friends from University over the years and focusing on his teaching left his partying and fun days to rare occasions. A pity. So Dash was sitting finishing up his pixie pizza, thinking about what he can do since his cousin will be out of town the next few weeks for business. Maybe he'll check out the nearest clubs again... when he heard someone talk. Problem? Not my problem. But Saturday... He turned his head to see another lad, blinking for a moment at his stature and built. "..problem?" His hazel eyes met blue to ask. |
SPOILER!!: Mr. McHottie ;) Rafa had taken no particular notice of anyone in his immediate surroundings other than to note that there was the usual crowd during this particular time. He was particularly grateful that School or Daycare was in session; this meant that there wasn’t the usual pack of annoying little humans running about and making a bunch of noise {Rafa tended to avoid lunching here during the school break though unfortunately, he could not escape having to deal with underage witches and wizards when they wanted to get themselves an owl}. This was why the man hadn’t the foggiest that someone was close enough to overhear him. Rafael peered over the top of the Prophet to meet a pair of the nicest hazel eyes he’d ever seen. “Some sort of issue with Floor Powder,’’ was the mild response as he was not quite keen on divulging his business to a stranger. “Hope you can Apparate.’’ |
SPOILER!!: Mr. McHandsome Naturally, such a response meant the topic had to stay there, "I've heard, been forced to walk a couple blocks to my job from the designated apparition point." Not that Dash could fault this lad on keeping a mystery, but the obvious secret intrigued him more to find out. Especially when he heard Saturday. But he had to do it in a polite way, yeah? Got to stroke the ego first. Taking his pizza, he spun his chair around to fully sit facing the man with the newspaper at his table. He seemed to have an intimidating front around the decent look, but the challenge only got him to march ahead. "Pardon me, but I did hear you say Saturday as well. Is it too much to ask what's Saturday have to do with the Floo issue?" Well... as polite as he could get. Not even the newspaper would separate the eyes for long, "They got some kind of solution or issue bound then?" Something he ought to know for sure. |
SPOILER!!: Persistent, much? :3 There was a moment that Rafa silently took to congratulate himself on doing a good job in avoiding the actual topic. “Walking is an excellent form of exercise.” He himself preferred jogging but walking was just as beneficial. His face completely disappeared behind the Prophet once more. That should put an end to the conversation, right? Wrong. Rafa came face to face with not just the guy’s eyes this time but most of him as the stranger was now facing him fully. “It is too much,’’ Rafa responded, completely bemused. “You’re awfully persistent.” He withdrew his earlier hearty congratulations as the paper was folded up. This fella was far more interesting than it and Rafa was quite enjoying toying with him. “Floo Powder will be back in circulation on Saturday. Looks like you wouldn't need to walk as much.” Would he fall for it? |
SPOILER!!: Secretive, much? xD "They don't call me Dash for nothing," Welp, here was a name drop. It was apparent this gentleman didn't want to look at Dash much longer... or did he? What he said next already contradicted his first excuse. An obvious ploy to toy with him. Usually, Dash did the toying with others but here he was on the receiving end. But it was fine, it made him kick back in the chair to take another bite of his pizza as he smirked, "Hmm, sounds like you're hiding a very personal problem," Looking thoughtfully, expecting to see his face again. Boom. He did manage to get him to set that paper away if only momentarily. His trouble was nearly away. "Okay, you know what, it's not my problem," He decided, seemingly about to collect his pizza and go... except, "But you look decent enough, so how's about I get you a drink and we can not talk about that problem of yours?" He could stare at this face again and the stranger... gets a free drink. Okay, maybe not a fair trade, but it was negotiable. But what could they talk about then? "You could share me your workout routine since we're clearly gunning for a similar built," Nice deltoids for one. Now, where was this conversation going? |
SPOILER!!: Epic name dropper! <3 His lips twitched as he wanted to smile coyly. So. Dash was this fella’s name. It was nice to know, even if Rafa wasn’t going to volunteer his own name. Not yet, anyway. Personal problem? That was exactly it. He was hiding his nonexistent love life which was bound to be the topic Juniper and Isabella focused on at some point on Saturday. Rafa was not ready to deal with that again. Just the thought of it made him want to groan and cancel his attendance. “Definitely not your problem,’’ the owl caretaker responded, thinking that Dash would finally leave him alone. The thought was short lived. “You are one stubborn young man, Dash.” Stubbornness ran in the Melo family hence he had plenty of experience in dealing with the trait. Maybe it was the eyes - he’d seen his fair share of hazel eyes but there was something magnetic about Dash’s - but Rafa agreed, surprising even himself. “Fine. And I can tell you right now that my routine starts at 5 AM each day. A little earlier on my days off.” Reaching for his butterbeer, he slyly checked out Dash's physique. |
SPOILER!!: the best Evan If Evan had said that they needed the Ashes of the world, she would have melted and possibly died. It was hard to feel like the world needed Ashes when she wanted to leave a big positive impact on the world and she didn't think she was making any impact at all. Evan was extra wonderful during those times(like now), by the way. And she appreciated him and his kindness so much. Evans were very much needed in the world, she would have told him. Especially in a world with Ashes! "I obviously don't do mirrors, you know, so I've been looking at a lot of pictures and using those for reference. I'm super into self portraits now." That wasn't self-centered, was it? She liked painting other people too! It was just that she thought self-portraits helped her understand her self. "You should see my art studio! It wasn't there the last time you came to my apartment but I converted the spare bedroom." He should come over and stay as long as he wanted to. Ash loved having guests. Her apartment was too big for just her all the time. Especially now that her boyfriend AND her brother were away. Too lonely. "You should come over sometime, if you want. You'd be welcomed. As long as you don't mind my owl, rabbit, and cat." Especially Maggie the owl. Maggie was unpleasant at times. "Doing things for myself is all... bubble baths. And piano. And journaling. And sleeping 8 hours a night. And learning to cook things myself. Theodore came over the other day to show me how to make steak." Ash liked being free, and living away from her family. She liked it a lot. Was she prepared or qualified or in her opinion, deserving for it? No. But it was one of the best things that could have happened to her, she decided. "Getting to do things that I feel like I have to do for myself makes me feel very free." |
SPOILER!!: Just Epic! <3 So it was true, on it being a personal problem. Being called stubborn didn't phase Dash as his face lacked the reaction it is, instead quipping, "Don't forget handsome," He took care of his own body to know his own looks. Plus he felt proud for reading the bloke. "But I guess we share that in common Mr. No-Name," Hope he liked his new name. It was staying until further notice. Doing his best not to visualize him getting his sweat on in the streets from no doubt jogging and possibly trading blows in the gym, "Every day? No wonder," Dash replied, "I used to get a run in before my lessons, but after they closed the faculty showers, I've moved it into my evenings." And lonely days, but he was not adding that part. He was still in good shape, but needed to watch his cheating days as usual. "So what work helps keep your schedule so consistent?" |
SPOILER!!: Flash! hehe <3 The lack of reaction at being called stubborn told Rafa that Dash had probably been described as such before. Possibly even worse. Amusement flicked across his face. The other man was rather pleasing to the eyes… eye candy, if you will. “Do you mean the stubbornness or the good looks?’’ Rafa asked innocently, not taking the bait to offer up his name. It was far more fun to get Dash to talk about himself {which wasn’t that difficult at all} than for Rafa to simply volunteer too much information about his own life that easily. Maybe he was enjoying getting to know Dash while simultaneously creating some amount of mystery on his end. “Every day.” Some butterbeer was downed before Rafa replaced his glass on the table; he’d forgotten about his lunch. “Are you a professor then?” Or a tutor? Now there was an amusing thing to picture: a stubborn professor arguing with an equally stubborn brat. “How do you tolerate kids? Or teens even, if it's teens you deal with?” It was something he often asked Isa, since she was in the teaching profession. Rafa shrugged. “Determination. Wanting to treat my body like the temple it is. The friendly little keeping-in-top-shape competition I have with my twin brother.” |
SPOILER!!: The Green Arrow! "I don't know, you tell me," Dash shrugged not-so-innocently, he already said what he said. The bloke was sitting there looking pretty on him. Which was fine, since it left him fishing, but he wasn't biting. He signaled the nearest patron for a refill on his own drink before honoring the extra drink for the nameless one. Though he wasn't sharing info, he was at least being shared the space Dash smiled, "You don't like kids, I take it?" Interesting questions for one. He would answer them, but he liked having some questions answered beforehand. Kids in general liked asking questions and it took patience. Patience he savored but was over here spending it on the hunk. "Huh, so you're a body builder. Are you training up for a competition or something?" Must be a stressful job. |
SPOILER!!: Flash! We're keeping this nickname for him! <3 Dash was rewarded with a smirk but that was it. Interestingly enough, Rafa only just realised that he was being flirted with - a thought that had occurred to him only as the question had left his mouth a few seconds ago. Now that he thought further, it registered that he had flirted back. Well well well. This was not how Rafa had foreseen his lunch hour going. “They’re annoying in so many ways.” The smaller ones ran around demanding attention while yelling at the top of their lungs or interfering with stuff that wasn't theirs. Worst yet were their wails. Rafael mentally shuddered just thinking about it. The teens? So much attitude. Dash couldn’t have been more off. There was another smirk and Rafa took his time in chugging down the drink. “Can’t a guy simply enjoy having workouts as a hobby?” He held Eye Candy’s gaze. “Why don’t you tell me straight up why is it that you’re so interested in my life? Is this something you do with strangers often?” |
SPOILER!!: We stay with the Green Arrow! Dash chuckled as he relayed his distaste, "You're not wrong there," The amount of spilled ink in the class to clean. Students chasing the other after too much sweets. The parent-teacher conferences where it became clear who the kids were mimicking. "Sure, but sometimes you want to impress someone else when working out," Taking a sip of his drink. It was a perk, getting checked out. Keeping their eyes glued as he was asked the question. It was a good question. Why was he still sitting here? Was it really over just a problem? "I could ask you why you're still talking with me," His eyes briefly eyeing his biceps. "By the looks of it, you could've thrown me off my chair long ago." Or at least attempted. "Sounds like you have a lot of fun with your twin, do you win in these competitions more than them?" |
SPOILER!!: Mr. Sassypants lmao Of course he wasn’t wrong. Rafa had seen enough of children in Diagon Alley. Not to mention the teens he had tutored in Castelobruxo in his brief stint as a professor. Two years had been his limit, and even if Gabe hadn’t been Mernapped, Rafa would have still quit the job. “Fair point,’’ he remarked to the comment about being the workout bit. “I get the feeling that impressing others is something you like doing.” Or maybe Dash just liked impressing guys. Regardless, yeah. Rafa was impressed with what he saw. “I could have,’’ Rafa remarked smoothly. “Who’s to say that I won’t anytime soon?” That wasn’t a threat; just some light humour. “I’d say he and I are evenly matched,’’ he continued, reaching for the Prophet again. “FYI, you invaded my personal space. I was simply being polite by not ignoring you. That can be arranged now, however.” With that, Rafael disappeared behind the paper again, raising it so that Dash could not see the huge grin on his face. It was so fun to mess with him. |
SPOILER!!: Mr. Tease xD Dash continued sipping his drink, not at all surprised at the unknown gentleman holding strong, "Depends, I don't go out of my way for everyone's admiration, most just like me without the effort," He had been toted for most congeniality among his co-workers once or twice. "But I also have no qualms in revealing my cards. It takes guts to reveal yourself, after all." Not so much of a hint. Cue one of his eyebrows raising, "Is that a challenge?" Him being thrown out now. Dash would like to see him try. Sure, he wasn't as meaty, but he held his own. Especially if he happened to be taller or not. Next thing however, his hazel eyes were meeting paper once again. He slammed his glass down before laughing a bit louder than his usual volume. He liked this style. "You know what, you're an alright guy," Adding, "You must have a lucky partner to deal with you," Wiping one of his eyes that briefly got moist from his laughter. "Since you like competitions so much, how's about a deal?" |
SPOILER!!: Hazel Eyes! <3 Did Rafael like Dash? The answer came instantly: Yes. Dash was playful, sassy, mysterious… exactly like him, actually. And those eyes. Rafa liked the eyes a lot. Still, he wasn’t quite ready to let the other man know this fact. There was a strong probability that they wouldn’t be seeing each other’s faces ever again so what was the point? Excuse Rafa if he was a little skeptical: Dash had been evasive for the most part when questioned. Then again, so had he himself. That definitely had not been a challenge; just his way of messing with him. Rafa highly suspected that Dash would put up a proper fight if necessary. The slam of the glass and the laughter made him grin even wider. A second later, his face reemerged. “So are you.” Yes, that grin was still in place even as he shook his head. There hadn't been much time for dating {due to his own fault} plus no one interested him enough to set up a second or third date. “Single.” Rafa thought that he could afford to share some info now that he had established that he liked Dash. “Okay, you have me reeled in. What are you thinking?” |
SPOILER!!: Our favorite Ashley Fox <3 Well, if she was going to melt and die than he certainly would have been glad he had not said it. Unless she was actually a phoenix and could resurrect herself, which considering all the things... that seemed plausible. Evan didn't particularly think he was anyone exceedingly kind, or special, but by now everyone knew he did not hold himself in that type of a regard. But he knew that the people who cared about him, and whom he most cared about did, and that was really all that mattered. At least, to him. "I think not doing it based on a mirror and from old photos is even more special. If you think about it, a mirror just reflects what you look like in that moment, and what you feel looking at yourself. But a photo? That shows what you look like to someone else, and that's an even more special series of artwork." If she wanted his knut on the subject. "I would love to, anytime." An art studio sounded fun and he would be curious to see how she had changed her space. He was also very open for spending as much time with her too before he was out on the water. "That sounds fun to me. And I don't mind animals." Particularly not cats, though he imagined Padme would think him coming back smelling like another was the ultimate act of betrayal. He was very pleased to hear she was putting herself first. He often worried about Ash and the fact that she seemed to prioritize others over herself, which while admirable was... not exactly healthy. Bubble baths, journaling and cooking... 8 hours a night! That was all very healthy and he loved that for her. "I'm glad to hear you're doing all that. Merlin knows you could have afforded to be able to sleep more." He grinned at her, taking a sip of his drink. "I'm proud of you. For doing all that." |
SPOILER!!: Honey brown eyes! <3 Dash had a number of people come in and out of his life through the years. It was rare to find one matching him up as a friend, let alone... more? There was a dash of hope, when he heard the magic word. Single.. "Really? How's that possible?" He asked. "You're not that ugly," Slight tease given his cheeky smile. How could that smile drop when he was told he was an alright guy, as well. Dash then leaned closer to the brown eyes across from him. Maybe to share a secret or just to lower his voice. "I think.. I could take on any dare or demand you throw at me..." But what's the catch? "If you tell me your name," Why just the name? "I have a feeling you're up for some dares," Or would he be proven wrong? |
SPOILER!!: Punny Dash! <3 Ah. If only Rafa could have known Dash’s thoughts, he would have immediately recognised the name pun, and he would have highly appreciated it. Puns were brilliant. There was a laugh of pure amusement. “That ugly? Is that another reason you’re sitting here flirting with me?” He had only dated ladies but Rafa wasn’t naive; he knew when a guy was flirting with him. Rafa had the suspicion that if he ever let Dash know that his smile was the nicest, Dash’s ego would hit the roof so he kept his mouth shut about that. He calmly held Dash’s lovely hazel gaze. This close up, they were even more shapely and intriguing. “Yeah?” His grin turned to a smirk. “Be careful what you wish for.” Okay, he owed the other fellow that much. “Rafael. I’ve been known to take on the occasional dare as well. Throw your best one at me.” |
SPOILER!!: These two are too cute Considering the amount of times Ash had 'melted into a puddle and died' around Evan before, she probably WAS immortal. "Mirror self portraits are interesting too, because you can get who you are in the moment when pictures give you... something else. Your picture face. Only obviously I can only use one of those methods. You're right, there are lots of fun things about using pictures." Although it bothered her that she was confined in such a way, and she would have loved to make a self portrait from a mirror if the circumstances were different. "Whenever I want to capture my current emotion, I just make up what I think it would look like on my face," she admitted. "So I'd like to have a huge reference photo album of me making different expressions, so I can pick the right one. But I keep forgetting to take them when I'm feeling something strong!" She shook her head ruefully. "Maybe next time." Ash brightened at the idea of having him over. She loved having guests. Especially ones that she liked. She just knew he'd love the place and he'd understand why she put up with so many rules from her father when she first moved in. And she could play him piano! And show him the balcony! And the couch! She was looking forward to it. "You'll love my cat. She's the sweetest. And my owl won't attack you. And my rabbit is pretty chill but I think it might be because she used to be a hat." Yes, yes. Ash was being healthy! It turned out that the combination of Dustin yelling at her and her boyfriend asking gently made Ash a lot better at self-care. And it made her feel very nice. Most of the tiredness and sickness she'd been dealing with were caused by lack of food, lack of sleep, lack of fresh air, and other things that happened when she wasn't taking care of herself. But now she was. And she felt sooo much better. Of course, Ash's standards for being healthy and happy were different from other people's, and she had a long way to go. But she was happy by Ash standards! The happiest she'd ever been(seriously)! "Sleeping potions work wonders," Ash admitted. "I don't sleep all that great on my own but with a potion I can sleep all night and I don't toss and turn or anything. Getting more exercise and activity in my day also helps me sleep. And Minjae bought me a big pillow and a weighted blanket for my birthday. Eating also helps. And bubble baths." Ash paused, thinking. "When I do some things right for myself, other right things happen on their own." She smiled as she ate, loving to hear that someone was proud of her. People seemed to say it a lot now, which was a new thing for her. She'd waited forever and ever for someone to be proud of her but now it was like she had collected interest on all the times she should have heard it as a kid. "What about you, Evan? Are you taking good care of yourself?" |
SPOILER!!: I've missed them! An immortal Ash was something he could deal with, he was sure. Hm, he supposed that was an idea too. Perhaps it was just his own poor self esteem that made him think the portrait in the mirror was entirely uninteresting. It was oftentimes more preferable to know what others thought of him, even if the people he cared to know opinion from were also few. "You're young, i'm sure you'll have plenty of time to still making your picture album of expressions - even if you can't remember to start anytime soon." That was the benefit of having lived perhaps not even a quarter of their lifetimes yet. He could see her brighten, and even if there had not been a reason to look forward to a visit with her more - he already was. He did enjoy making his friends happy, and Ash was similar to another sister to him. He always prioritized his sisters. And his brother. And... other family too. Hearing her talk of her animals, he laughed softly and raised an eyebrow. "You took the rabbit from Transfiguration home?" He had opted to let his stay behind at school, with whatever hat bunnies stayed there as well. The few times they visited, Padme had not been fond. "How is your cat with others?" He could leave Pads with his parents, but he didn't like to be separated from his familiar either so he figured best to ask. All of this was pretty much the best news ever and he was very relieved she was doing so well, and healthier. It would have made sense to him that her gross feelings had been relative to not enough food or sleep, but Evan was not the type of friend to badger - he was there simply as support. Or a listening ear if one wanted. "I really am very glad to hear all of this. Sleep is important, exercise and feeding our bodies nutrients they need too. When the insides feel better, sometimes I think our attitude and outsides do too." Which she did look really healthy and like she felt better. At her question... he paused. Was he taking good care of himself? He wasn't doing anything special, or different so far but... he felt okay. So maybe? "I've gotten a couple more tattoos." Was the answer he went with, deciding she would understand that as self care too. "I also visited Noah and spent some time with him. And that was... really nice. " He tended to forget how much he missed his brother, and he'd been introduced to some new people in his life too that it had been nice to meet. |
SPOILER!!: Lovely Rafa! <3 "Rafael... what a cool name," Almost as cool as his own name, from what Dash had been told. And he certainly wouldn't be wrong about his own reaction if he were to hear such compliments. Was that truly the reason he was sitting here flirting, "That depends.. is it working?" He liked teasing even more than flirting. Especially when someone was as receptive and could dish it back as easily. Most were as receptive but quite on the same level with him. Now it was for his best dare, "You sure you don't have one for me?" He dd ask for one, after all. "How about... you go over to the bar and dance on top for a few seconds," Pretty light one to ask for. |
SPOILER!!: Cute Dash! <3 “Thanks. My parents picked it out for me.” Was that a little sarcastic? Oops. A smirk returned but instead of answering, Rafa picked at his food, taking a mouthful and chewing. It was far more satisfying to observe Dash wait in anticipation for an answer. Finally, he responded, neither confirming nor denying, “You tell me.” Ahhh, such games. Rafa likey. His brain was working furiously. A brilliant idea had just occurred to him. Well, it was brilliant but it could have chaotic consequences if he wasn’t careful how he played things out. “That’s it?” Rafa deadpanned. “Fine, fine. I’ll give you your entertainment in a bit. I do have a dare, now that I think of it. I bet you couldn’t go the entire day pretending to be my boyfriend at my brother’s wedding.” This way, Rafa could get his mother off his back for a bit. |
SPOILER!!: Hunky Rafa! <3 Dash could only snort at Rafael's remark and the redirect. "Maaybe," taking another sip of his drink. He was sitting here almost as giddy as a young boy. Plus the confidence. He knew what he liked and loved to play with what he liked. That was it? "I mean, I could have you do it in your swim trunks if you'd like," Though that might scar some people or at the least get him kicked out.. Ahem. He was lucky to have not taken a sip just then at his dare as his smile dropped for a moment while blinking. Well, well.. Dash had long since forgotten about him having a problem of sort. Before he could connect the dots on that though. The smile returned though as he looked thoughtfully, "Hmm... and just what would I have to do to be a convincing boyfriend?" Stand by his side? Hold hands? Maybe more? Details had to be made and possibly negotiated. But more importantly, "Sounds like we'd need to go shopping in order for me to match you," Another outing, score. |
SPOILER!!: Why Dash be trying to get Rafa banned from the Leaky? lolllll It was nice to be this sarcastic and playful with someone who didn’t carry feelings/feel insulted. Rafael didn’t press for a clearer answer. Yes or no didn’t matter when he was going to take that "Maaybe’’ as positive anyway. Now that he was certain Dash was into him, Rafa intended to use this to his advantage. It was best to have someone who was attracted to him do this sort of thing. That or he could actually find an overzealous actress. It was Rafa’s turn to snort. This was followed up by a shrug. “The choice is yours.” The owlkeeper would probably never be allowed back here at the Leaky… would that be worth it? “Please don’t make me regret asking,’’ he remarked with a dramatic sigh. “Just look… boyfriendly?” Rafa didn’t know; this was new territory to him. “Maybe you’re allowed to hold my hand.” Dash would love that, wouldn’t he? Matching? “Talk about taking your new role into stride.” He smirked. “It’ll be a regular, sharp-looking suit. I have a light orange tie. To go with the decor and flowers apparently.” |
don't mind me changing the gender of Ash's rabbit SPOILER!!: they are cute besties Ash nodded at Evan's words, hoping he was right. "Sometimes I forget that I have my whole life ahead of me. Sometimes I feel like I have to do everything I've ever wanted to do immediately, right now, and today. But I suppose that's not how it works, and doing that would also be impossible." She smiled. It was a little amusing, when she took a step back and observed herself. What was she in such a rush for? Maybe she was just trying to keep up with the speed of her thoughts. "Yes, I took him home, and his name is Hat Bunny. Because... I'm sure you understand. I thought I could use another pet for company, you know? I've been feeling like I need company recently, and having a pet to just sit with me and be there is very therapeutic." Scar purring while sitting on her chest often helped her fall asleep, and Hat Bunny was a good companion when she needed to think. He never reacted to her ideas, rational or irrational. He just sat there and was very soft. She even enjoyed the presence of Maggie, no matter how unpleasant the Eagle owl got. Her pets were very beneficial. "Scar is a sweetheart to everyone, including other cats. She's very calm, and very perceptive. Why?" Ash really did look healthier. She'd put lots more effort into her appearance too, and overall she just had a... happier aura. It was nice to feel so good. "You got more tattoos too! What are they?" Could she see any of them? Evan must have known that the topic of tattoos made Ash very excited. She loved tattoos. "It's always nice to spend time with siblings. Especially if you have a large age gap and haven't met in a while." That was something that she very much understood. |
SPOILER!!: Why Rafa be so tempting xD lol Dash couldn't help chuckling at the idea, knowing full well his addition to the dare would all but be rejected. "Okay, okay, I jest," It had taken this long to get him this trusting, he wasn't going to waste the opportunity to spend more time with Rafael, "I... can do that," Act boyfriend-like, wear the right attire. Check. Dash briefly wondered if this was all new to Rafael. Having a boyfriend. Did he mix up the signs or maybe he just never dated a guy specifically before? No matter. He had one himself years ago between the other girls. So he could teach a thing or two if needed, "Well, to be convincing we should probably get our story straight or.. not in this case," ahem, brief smile, "How, where, and when we met. I'm sure they'll have plenty of questions for me," Since he had to know more about Rafael, he should probably give him more about himself, "I'm Dash Dreamer, 27, teaches Quill Writing & Reading at Hogsmeade's Primary school, graduated from Wizarding University and Hogwarts.." and just for fun, "and I like long walks on the beach." |
SPOILER!!: Rafa is innocent! His halo is showing xD Okay then… They had a deal. Rafa was certain he could actually feel the trepidation evaporate from his cells. “Obrigada,’’ he said in Portuguese. “Thank you.” At least Juniper would stop nagging at him about dating. And if she asked about him getting married? Yeah, he’d not think about that right now. Mothers… He really wanted to shake his head as he thought of his even though he loved her very much. Did Rafa give out signs? Oh, that early bit of flirting? It actually wasn’t something he did; not with guys, anyway, and he was still trying to figure out why he had done that with Dash. Rafael laughed. “I see what you did there.” He was one hundred percent sure he was straight, okay? At least that’s what he was telling himself right now. “My Ma will. I dunno… we met right here when you decided to invade my space? I’ve heard it’s best to mix lies with a bit of the truth. Works better that way.” There was a shrug as this theory had never been tested by him. Rafa held his index fingers to his temples and closed his eyes. “Storing information,’’ he comically informed Dash in a robot-like voice. He’d been right about Dash being a professor. Teacher. Whatever. “Okay, my turn.’’ His eyes met Dash’s again. “Rafael Lucas Melo. Also 27 years old. The entire family is originally from Peru. I’m an owlkeeper at Eeylops. Graduated from Castelobruxo and WU in Venezuela. Um… I really like pork chops?” |
SPOILER!!: Dash is not so innocent! His halo was borrowed >;3 Dash smirked into his drink again, "You may have a point there," with the truth meeting the lie, "Invade your space? More like you grabbed my attention," Who knows if they would've met if he didn't hear him.. well, no use thinking that over. He considered asking about his feelings but that could disrupt their planning. All he knew right now was how adorable Rafael was being, storing information and all. He had some relatives outside of England, which led to vacationing... in the past. "Peru! What a beauty. I guess you vacation there often or occasionally? I love traveling myself," Well, he used to. Up until he began third-wheeling which became awkward. "I feel honored you're sharing this much with me. That's so cool," Even the pork chops bit."So what else do you like to do outside the gym? I've done the occasional karaoke and a bit of baking," When he felt like being at home, at least. "So if your mum is like mine to ask, how long have we been seeing each other? And why did you hide me out all this time?" He had his own suggestion but this boyfriend would be taking the lead... for now. |
SPOILER!!: Ash<3 He was optimistic that he was right this time around. He had a good track record of being accurate too, so he would add that as weight to his observation there would be a good deal of life left for Ash. But at the same time, he also could see benefits to her way of thinking. He took a sip of his drink as he contemplated his words before speaking. "Not to sound contradictory, but even with a full life ahead - I don't think it's a bad idea to live in the now and do the things you want because you never know if something will stand in your way later." And even if someone was optimistic of a long life to live, accidents happened. "Pets are the best company and so long as you have adequate space for their needs, I don't think there is anything as too many." Whether it be hat bunnies, owls or cats or even a mix of all or other critters. "I can understand the therapeutic. I think I only started to get over my trauma when my parents let me get Padme." His familiar's existence had helped a lot, between her curling up in bed to keep him company or pawing him awake during night mares. Or even just the necessity of forcing him to explore more of the castle so that she could get her exercise. He might not have moved on from things ever if it hadn't been for her. "If I came over for a bit, I was wondering if you and she would mind if i brought Pads along too. I think she's missing the company of other cats, now that she can't see Ned as often." Ned being Jude's cat. At the question of what were they, Evan rolled up his sleeve to show his forearm where he now had a geometric shape filled with a monochromatic forest, words scrawled underneath it saying Nature is not a place to visit, it is home. "I have this vision of a full arm sleeve eventually, with different aspects of nature and the world and some quotes scattered throughout." Was it basic? Probably, but it made him happy and he could get different ones through his travels over the next year. "It was definitely really nice to see him. I think I'll try to see some of my cousins too sometime soon, though one is in the States with his wife and the other has new twins and a wife." The Spenley's certainly had a lot of new changes. Cora he saw plenty of given how often he now communicated with Aziel. "Speaking of siblings, your brother started this term didn't he? Have you heard how it's going for him?" |
SPOILER!!: Is Dash gonna serenade Rafa sometime? xD Ha! Rafa wasn’t going to be taking the blame this easily, even if his and Dash’s meeting was not something he regretted. “I think you have that wrong because I was talking to myself, not to you.” It wasn’t Rafa’s fault that Dash had bionic hearing. It didn’t even occur to him that the other man’s words could have meant that it was his own physical appearance that had grabbed his attention in the first place. “I moved here to be closer to my family ast year but I haven’t gone back to Peru since then. Did a bit of traveling before too, mainly to see flora and fauna.” Rafael liked that he and Dash had a mutual love for traveling. Perhaps at some point they could talk about the places they’ve been to and would like to go to. “I haven’t got much of a choice, have I?” His head tilted as he surveyed Dash. Sharing facts about himself wasn’t something he usually did; he was a private person. But admittedly, Rafa enjoyed learning about his present company. “I like to read academic books. Go on. Say it. I’m boring.” He smiled, fully expecting Dash to think that he was boring. “Are you any good at either?” Truthfully, Rafa had already thought of those questions. “Around the start of summer? And because I didn’t want to distract anyone from the wedding planning? Anyway, we didn’t work out, so I’ll tell mum shortly after the wedding, and you’d have had another successful dare under your belt.” |
SPOILER!!: Evan(the best) Ash's eyes sparkled as she had a thought. She always had thoughts- a million of them- but this one made it all the way to the front of her mind, which is what she meant when she said she had a thought. "If I try and get as much done as I can, then I'll be able to do more things I want later with the rest of my time." She said it quite sincerely, and Evan could expect her to act on about ten whims by the end of the day so she'd have space for more tomorrow. "Honestly, some days I am too tired to get anything done. So I might as well get a lot of things done when I can! But of course, I should still slow down sometimes before I burn out or manage to annoy everyone." Slowing down was hard. But sometimes she had to! And sometimes other people convinced her to. "How do you... take things slowly so often?" She was impressed by Evan's calmness and patience at things and she'd like to learn from it. Or paint it, at least. If it was possible to paint calmness and patience. She bet it was. She bet she could. She nodded as she listened, quietly understanding what Evan meant. "Having pets makes me feel useful, just having something to take care of. And Scar always knows when I'm upset. She sits on my chest and lets me pet her. It's very good for sleeping." Or at least relaxing. She could always use more of that. "I can't guarantee that Padme and Scar will get along, but I don't know anyone or anything Scar hasn't been able to get along with. So I'd love for you to bring her over and we can introduce them." Maybe they'd be best friends like Ash and Evan were. She wished very intensely. "Evan!" Ash gasped, making heart eyes at his tattoo. "It's lovely." Not to make her boyfriend jealous, but she had several other loves and one of them was tattoos. Permanent art on the body was incredible, no notes. "I think your vision is great." She really did. Also, she wanted to enable him to get that sleeve. "I guess we're both having big family changes," Ash said, only realizing after the fact that that could be interpreted in several different ways. "New twins and a wife! Congratulations to your cousin." Evan had a big big family, and yet she hadn't met a Nam she didn't like. "Yes, my middle brother is now a first year Hufflepuff. And from what I've heard, he's having a lot smoother of a time than I did. I think he kind of needed to get away from home, you know? He's never been without his family before, but I think it's just what he needs." She smiled, relaxing more as she talked about him. "I've been told that he's doing just fine and has loads of friends." It made a weight lift off her chest, just knowing that. "I also may have asked some Hufflepuffs to look out for him..." |
SPOILER!!: <3 "That is technically very true. Just remember you'll not be able to do more later if you burn yourself out and just... get tired of doing things too early." Or was that just something he with his limited social battery experienced? But at the same time, he was also very much here for Ash getting to accomplish all the things she wanted from life - even if that meant 10 or even 15 whims a day. But as she continued talking it, it was clear she would be fine and there was no reason for him to worry about her. The question of how he took things slow though took him by surprise and honestly... he didn't have an answer. "I... don't know. It's never a conscious decision. But it's like, when I have a thought - I have to analyze it every way from Sunday before I do anything with it. Sometimes it means I miss opportunities." Particularly when it came to his own feelings - he'd certainly messed a few things up there, but it was of no consequence now. Pets feeling of use did make sense too, especially with even more so now Evan was responsible for more than himself in the real world. Even if that 'more than' was just his cat. A cat suited him well, though. She always had - and perhaps cats just always would be his thing. He had a hard time seeing himself with any more immediate family than that. "I can't guarantee either from Pads side, but I think it would be fun to try. If not, I can lock her up somewhere because I'm sure she'd be the one on bad behavior." A prickly pear that one was. He smiled a genuine smile at her excitement, looking at his arm again as well and admiring it. He was very happy with the way it turned out, and was fairly certain he would continue to be as he kept adding to it. "Thank you. Working on this gives me more sense of purpose in my travels too." Which was just something he needed, as silly as that seemed. He was not one to jump to conclusions, yet that didn't stop an eyebrow raising at her question. He didn't push though, figuring she would share IF she wanted and WHEN she was comfortable. "Thank you, I'll pass that on." Perhaps he should introduce her to Chin-hae then, though he wasn't as bad as Evan liked to make him out, which even he didn't think he was. "Well... that's good to hear, especially that Hogwarts is less crazy than our first few terms." Fingers crossed there was never a recreation of those years. "Your boyfriend is a Hufflepuff too, isn't he?" That had to be helpful at least. |
SPOILER!!: Evan Ash nodded. "It's all about the right balance. And about good judgement. Obviously if I suddenly decide I want a steak sandwich at three in the morning, that's different from suddenly deciding I want to make a really stupid life change at 3 in the morning." One of those was somewhat eccentric, one of those was more than somewhat idiotic. She listened to him talk about how he took things slowly, suppressing a smile at the sudden thought of soothing-alpaca-Evan popping into her head. By the end, she'd decided that their minds just worked very differently, despite both of them being overthinkers. Ash thought that she may be an overthinker-after-the-fact. Evan seemed to be an overthinker-before-the-fact. "Maybe we can have our cats meet first, and then you can bring Pads over if they seem to be okay with each other?" Then they wouldn't have to deal with any unexpected drama. Ash was proud of herself for thinking ahead. "We can know how it's going to be from a scale of cat-playdate to dire-emergency-that-needs-to-be-prevented." She laughed, not thinking that Scar would ever really hate another cat. And fights took two, didn't they? "I cannot stress enough how much I love tattoos." She blushed. "I mean, uh, your tattoos especially! I'm not just enabling you to get more because tattoos in general are nice." She absolutely was. Buuuut she did really like his design and thought it looked great. "It's so good for him. Though I do find myself having doubts whenever I get letters from him. I can't help it, you know? He just seems so settled, and happy, and fine- I guess it's just hard for me to believe that anyone could be like that at Hogwarts. But it's a much nicer place now, true." She worried anyway. Not too much, but a little. She doubted that particular worry would go away. "Yes! My boyfriend is a Hufflepuff! But he always says he's studying when I try and secretly trick him into hanging out with my brother. I think he's caught on. And I think my brother is instantly suspicious of any potential boyfriend." She sighed, then laughed. "He's a funny kid. I think I'm the one protecting him and then I find him looking out for me. It's very sweet. But it also feels very strange." It was strange to have a little brother who acted like a much older one when she was the much older one. She thought she knew why, and it made her sad, so she stopped thinking about it. "I love him so much." |
SPOILER!!: Ash<3 He smiled at the examples she chose, a small chuckle escaping. "You're right, those are very different things. Although I would hope any time of day and you wouldn't choose a very stupid life change - not if you actually thing it's stupid." Life changes in themselves were fine - the chosen descriptive words could be red or green flags, though. That was what he was finding to be one of the more fun things about friendship - the differences in how their brains worked, what decisions they chose, interests. Similarities were nice too, but he found he celebrated the differences more. "That is genius idea." A first meet was definitely better, though he wasn't sure where they could have that happen. An idea for later when it was time to act upon the thought, he supposed. "I would hope we would never reach dire but.. it's absolutely better to be a test run." Because yes, a fight may take two - but an injury only took one. He smiled fondly, taking a sip of his drink before replying. "It's okay, that's one of the things I know about you." Which was why he'd shared his new tattoo to begin with. The time they'd spent on temporary tattoos after learning the charm for creating them had certainly been a fair amount. "I'll take the enabling no matter the motivation." Another idea he understood completely. Their experiences with Hogwarts had been very different (hopefully) than what her brother's was. But given the trauma they'd endured, it was hard to not be suspicious and fearful for other people still there - especially ones they cared about and no longer were there to protect. Or never been there with them, as it was for her and her brother. "Hopefully it stays that way. He deserves to be able to enjoy his time and relish in the magic." Lisa had gotten a lot of that experience too, and he'd been endlessly glad for it. Not all the Nam's needed to have sleepless nights remembering some of their Hogwarts days. "Is your boyfriend not a social person?" He assumed that's why he would make excuses - though he could understand Brandon's suspicion too. He was like that for his siblings partners too. He wondered if they would be too if he'd ever found someone, and yet given how desperately his sisters seemed to want to set him up with someone - he didn't think that would be the case. "It sounds like you guys are really close." |
For Kath Oh, for September to come and the Alley to quiet down a bit. Granted the summer could be fun and energetic, but Septimus had spent enough time at Gringotts to know the goblins could get just as grouchy with all the business flowing through the halls as they could when it was slower. Especially when some of the newer children caused trouble in the vaults. Today he had taken a nice walk through the shops without the hustle and bustle, just keeping a slight eye on the time knowing he didn’t want to be late meeting up with his appointment. Though he was just a tad anxious to see how she reacted to his news. Stepping through the still open wall, Septimus entered the courtyard. Perhaps outside would be nice given the weather was behaving. He took a quick peek into the Leaky Cauldron to make sure Candela hadn’t beat him to it and inside before taking a seat at one of the tables set out between the bar and Diagon Alley to await his expected companion. The cursebreaker absently gazing around to people-watch the lingering patrons outside. |
Quote:
So, no, darling cursebreaker. She was not already inside and arriving with just seconds to spare to be considered on time. Her heels clicked against the cobbled stone with an airy sort of dantiness despite her power walking and she peered around the other patrons until she spotted him and offered a rather exuberant wave as a greeting. |
There she was, Septimus spotting the familiar head belonging to Candela with ease just after he had sat down in the courtyard. Returning her wave though definitely more sedately, the cursebreaker rebounding to his feet out of respect as she neared him and the table he had chosen for them. “You made it…hello,” he greeted with a smile. A facial expression that had become more common in the days they had known each other as his life had evened out and he was feeling more comfortable with himself. And why not today of all days, with the good news that he had been granted through his job. Good news that his friend had been the one person he had wanted to share with, even somewhat more than his father who come to think of it likely had already known given he was a colleague as well as family. Not that he wasn’t trying not to appear nervous or awkward at the prospect of attention being directly on him now that they were together in one place. "How was your day?" he asked to break the ice. So much for just being happy. |
For Chellie Terry hadn’t intentionally timed his return to the UK as being September and therefore void of any children swarming the streets of Diagon Alley but he had been grateful for not having to shove his way through small bodies nonetheless. It wasn’t that Terry actively disliked kids, he just didn’t have any of his own and therefore was a bit awkward when in their presence. He was however much more comfortable in the company of creatures and was desperately missing the reserve he had just spent the last eleven months on. As he had no permanent abode in the country, he was temporarily renting a room in the Leaky Cauldron for the time being. His job meant that he didn’t stay in one place for too long but his maturing age and watching his fellow classmates moving on with their lives whilst he remained static was.. well it was lonely. Not that anyone would be able to tell from Terry’s naturally cheery and enthusiastic disposition that hid his true feelings. It was in the courtyard that Terry could be found that day, sat on the patch of grass and chomping down on a sandwich for his lunch. The weather was luckily still warm enough to enjoy basking in the sunshine, a relief considering he was not the type to enjoy being cooped up inside. His eyes were trained over towards the bubbles coming from the koi fish in the pond. |
SPOILER!!: Terry The summer season was perhaps the busiest season for Ece, just as for the other proprietors and shopkeeps in the Alley. It was true, she didn't have the same demands as the others (and her establishment didn't make nearly the same profit) but her front door seemed to be ever revolving of children who'd lost their parents or couldn't find where to meet their friends or an array of other circumstances that meant the map at the forefront of Nesting Occamy was always being frequented. That HAD been her intention when she'd installed the feature, but it didn't mean the woman was any less exhausted of the constant chatter. But finally, now that the youngest ones had been headed back to Hogwarts, her doorbell rang more from new prospective uni students looking for residences with their friends. That was far more her speed, and certainly a better alternative for her ledgers. She was in such a good mood over it all too, that she'd offered to get her staff a platter of goodies from Leaky Cauldron. Though of course she was not nearly as good of a neighbor as she ought to have been, as she didn't think to call it in ahead of time and instead surprised the poor individuals working. She'd apologize profusely, before insisting they should take as much time as they needed. In fact, they'd be doing her a favor so that she could take a proper break. With those assurances out of the way, she went out to the Courtyard to sit and wait. There were plenty of tables which she would have gravitated towards, but then she noticed a gentleman sat upon the grass enjoying his own lunch picnic style. It was not what she was used to, but it seemed so quaint she couldn't help but follow suit. Heading over to the grassy area, trying to not encroach on his space, Ece sat down and stretched her linen clad legs in front of her, leaning back on her palms as she tilted her head up towards the rare sunshine-y rays. "Oh, it is a magnificent day today." She exclaimed aloud. |
Had Terry not been invested in the thoughts of whether ornamental fish had a place in captive society, he might have heard the approaching footsteps of another human being and offered a friendly smile in greeting. Instead his face was morphed into a sort of blank expression until a voice could be heard in the ether. “Hmm?” he blinked, snapping his head into the direction of the voice to see a woman had joined him on his grass adventure. “Oh! Yeah, better take advantage of it whilst it lasts,” he chuckled. Terry had been lucky enough to work in some of the most exotic locations in the world and coming back to Britain was always a shock to the system and this was coming from someone who grew up in the remotest islands of Scotland. The one (or two at best) weeks of decent weather in September always had to be utilised to its best. “Guaranteed next week it’s gonna rain. Real shame, I’ve just come back from the heat of South Africa.” He might have hit his fourties’ but that didn’t stop Terry’s knack of being able to start a conversation with anyone. Whether the woman was invested in whatever he had to say he didn’t know but it was she who spoke first after all. “I’m Terry” he nodded towards her. Perhaps it might’ve been more polite to offer her a handshake but this man had been working with magical creatures for so long that societal constructs had become a little blurred over the years. He was pretty sure that she wouldn’t appreciate a pat on the head like most domesticated creatures did though. That and the former Slytherin had never really been the formal type of guy anyway, just ask his former dorm mates who was responsible for the majority of the mess in their room. |
Perhaps the biggest adjustment for Ece for her adventure in the UK, was the difference in the weather from home. While it was not uncommon for it to rain or the temperatures to dip into lower numbers during the brief winter months, primarily it was sunshine and heat that she had grown up in. The dreary weather could certainly give her a strong case of the blues at times with how frequent it stayed, but on days like today with the sun shining and the world looking more bright she didn't have even a glimmer of those feelings still within. "With as quickly as it seems to adapt back to rain, I wouldn't be surprised if it hit us even tomorrow!" She replied, turning her head to return a friendly smile to the gent who had originally found residence on the ground. She hadn't really expected him to respond to her exclamation, but she was also pleased to have someone to speak with. It certainly could be lonely without any established friends or without bothering her fellow colleagues in the alley. "South Africa!" She exclaimed at the information, her expression turning to one of interest. "What is it you were doing there?" It occurred to Ece as she asked that that was perhaps too personal of a question for a stranger outside the pub, however she consoled herself by rationalizing he wouldn't have mentioned it if he wasn't open to discussing it. As if it was not a possibility he just would have assumed the stranger wouldn't go prying into his business, like most civilized individuals would probably not do. It was not always common practice to shake hands in her own culture, so she didn't think anything of his not offering a hand, instead just launching into her own introduction. "Please to make your acquaintance, Terry. I'm Ece." She gave a small wave in lieu of offering her hand towards his, figuring that would suffice as friendly enough. "What brings you out to the alley today?" She didn't recognize him, so she wondered if he was a local to the area or perhaps had just been on a holiday from South Africa as he had previously mentioned the location. |
You’d have thought that growing up in one of the coldest and wettest climates of the UK that Terry would be used to the impending doom of a British autumn. You’d also think that having not lived full time there for a number of decades that he would have also ‘got over’ the Britishism of always talking about the weather but clearly not. “We’ve been known to have all four seasons in one day,” he chuckled. His Scottish lilt was mild now, not through any intention but because he’d been working with such a hodgepodge of nationalities that it seemed to fade into the background. He was pleased that the woman didn’t look confused by his response, an indication that perhaps her words were directed to him. Not that it would usually stop him, Terry was friendly enough to make conversation with most others. Her exclamation of the country he had just returned from did surprise him and it took him a second to place whether it was somewhere she was familiar with herself but her voice lacked the Springbok twang and so that thought was immediately quashed. “I’m a magical creature conservationist, I was working with a small population of Erumpents on a reserve out there.” He offered her an explanation. He was more than happy to talk about his exploits, if anything talking about it usually meant more funding and more funding went to helping more magical creatures. It was something he was highly passionate about. “Their numbers aren’t great, they only have a single calf and the males have a habit of blowing themselves up.” It made their conservation efforts just that little bit harder but something seemed to be working. “Ece” he repeated in an attempt to store the name in his head in case he were to come across her again. He was glad that his assumption that she wasn’t necessarily from around here was correct judging by the pretty exotic name but he wasn’t outwardly going to ask her for fear of sounding rude. “I was just visiting for a while. My job means I don’t have a permanent abode, staying here in the meantime.” He pointed up to a small window overlooking the courtyard behind which was the room he was renting from the Leaky Cauldron. “The lighting isn’t great, I feel a bit like I’m living in a cupboard so I spend more time out here.” Weather permitting of course. He obviously didn’t recognise her either but that wasn’t due to being unobservant, it was merely because he spent a vast majority of his time outside the country that he had lost touch with his own citizens. It was quite sad really. His school mates had mostly moved on and here he was at forty-something clinging on to the fact that he still had time. |
While some might say the weather was one of the most uninteresting things people could bring up - Ece would have politely argued against them. The weather was an easy enough observation to make, certainly, which was why it was often used first. However anything was a good ice breaker if one was skilled enough with conversation to turn it into as such. Besides, you could learn a fair bit from someone just based on what type of reaction they had to different weathers. Those that seemed to thrive in the rain and cold seemed more likely the type to be found curled inside with a steaming cuppa, enjoying the sounds of nature while those akin to her who preferred the sun enjoyed warmth and something that could be found outdoors. “Isn’t that a marvel?” She replied, continuing to look up at the sky. “I can’t say I much enjoy the humidity from a rapid change from warm to wet but it’s amazing to see just how quickly things can change!” Always have an umbrella on hand was perhaps the first thing she’d learned in her move to the UK. Despite the fact her living was made in permanent abodes and assisting others with finding theirs, Ece had always loved the idea of traveling and what each different country held of interest, which was the sole reason for her exclamation. The gentleman in the courtyard was a stranger, true, but sometimes strangers were the best people to learn the world through. Besides wasn’t everyone a stranger until you had a conversation? His life in particular also sounded fascinating, even just from the tidbits he’d so far shared. “Erumpents?” She considered for a moment, her eyes briefly closing as she struggled to recall the long ago Care of Magical Creatures courses. “You know, I think I always got those confused with the mundane Elephant.” The names were similar, even if she was fairly certain she remembered the magical creature being compared to another species muggles were more familiar with. “Those are pretty dangerous to be around too, aren’t they? Especially if you’re working around their offspring?” Not that she knew for certain they were particularly protective, but weren’t most mammals? “That sounds thrilling though! Especially if you and your agency can make any headway with how to solve the unfortunate explosion issues.” At his repeat of her name, she just smiled and gave a small nod of her head. She didn’t mind talking about her own country and where she had grown up and moved from, however it wasn’t something she usually jumped right into either unless it was relevant, so she offered no further back story. At his explanation of staying at the Leaky Cauldron, she glanced up as well at the windows overlooking the courtyard before giving a small nod in understanding. Lighting was something that was hard to come by, surprisingly. For the rental locations, she’d had to get pretty crafty with magic and design to make everything seem bright enough for the new inhabitants. “The courtyard here is one of the most beautiful spots to spend in Diagon Alley anyways, so perhaps that is to your advantage.” She considered for a moment if there were any others, before adding, “The Colored Umbrellas are perhaps the second best. Though that might be for the location to the creamy treats from Floreans.” It was the colors really, but the ice cream WAS also exceptional. “Do you enjoy all of the travel? Or do you think sometimes you miss the stability of a single residence?” |
His mum would be bitterly disappointed to hear his complaints over the weather. His childhood had been firmly outdoors, in the remotest of the Scottish islands, where three quarters of the year was spent battling gale force winds and rain that seemed to fall horizontally. She’d say that he had been spoiled by all his exotic travels and that he’d forgotten his roots. It wasn’t true though, Britain and more importantly Scotland would always be his home. “It’s a good job my hair is short and a bit flat then” he chuckled. Humidity thankfully didn’t have an effect on him, besides he’d spent summers in the depths of the rainforest before. He wasn’t particularly caring of his appearance either, frizzy hair would be the least of his worries. Terry often forgot that others weren’t as invested in the wonders of magical creatures as he was and therefore his passionate ramblings could become lost in the ether. “That’s an easy mistake to make. They’re more of a Rhino though, the ones with the big horn and thick skin.” Arguably more dangerous too but truthfully Terry wouldn’t want to come across either creature in the middle of the night without his wand for security. “All creatures are dangerous if you don’t know how to handle them correctly. Even a peaceful little Bowtruckle can give a nasty bite.” At least you could tell where you stood with the larger species. “Not that I know that from experience,” he chuckled. That was a lie, the Bowtruckle had some serious sass in his opinion. His fondness of the courtyard wasn’t solely for finding light and solitude. Although his conservation team were wonderful people, world travel and a lack of a mundane routine had left him with a touch of loneliness that had started to bubble beyond the surface as he aged. Being around the Leaky Cauldron often meant a steady trickling of people with the potential of finding someone to socialise with, as was the case that day with Ece turned up. “I used to love Florean’s as a kid,” he commented. At that age there was nothing better than hanging around the ice cream parlour with your buddies from school making the most of the summer freedom before being whisked back to school. The next question hit him with a hard dose of reality. He remained silent for a while, thinking up his response whilst focusing on the koi in the pond once more. “Both? Is that a terrible answer? I’m passionate about what I do but I’m in my fourties’ now and it’s weird seeing all your mates move on when you feel like you’ve barely started.” Ugh, talking about his ‘feelings’ were not on his agenda today. “We are talking far too much about me.” Just because he was a former Slytherin didn’t mean that he was self absorbed enough to notice that the conversation was a little one sided. “What brings you to Diagon Alley?” he asked. |
At his joke, Ece gave a laugh and a nod in agreement. That was of course exactly why the humidity itself was not one of her favorite things. She’d always chosen to wear her hair long, the one moment of vanity she allowed herself with the silken strands. But while she normally thought her hair looked nice, the rapid change in weather always certainly caused a fair amount of frizz she could happily do without. Wrapping a strand around her finger now she gave a chuckle as she surveyed it. “I think you have the right idea. I might have to adopt your tactic!” Some change could actually be nice - and it would certainly free more of her time up! Ece was the type to be invested in the passions of others when in conversation with them. However when it came to being able to offer meaningful commentary to encourage them, she ended up at a loss as she was not knowledgeable in most fields beyond her own. If one wanted to talk about property law, she could droll on until she was blue in the face. But otherwise she had to rely on questions to encourage conversation - which she asked with no lack of sincerity. “I think it might be the similarity in name.” She mused, before trying to instead picture the mundane creature he had described. “Is that the one that can often have birds sitting on it?” She believed that was something she’d seen in a comic of the creature, but she figured perhaps there was some truth to it? He had… a very good point there. Her shop opening had been delayed by Bundimum infestation which while generally considered only a pest, the damage they had done to some of the structures could have caused injury if she had been standing in only sliiiiightly different of a spot when beams began to fall. Another joke, and another smile and laugh in response. “You, sir, certainly sound like that was said from experience. Though you’re certainly right - anything can end up being a danger.” Yes, it could certainly be good for that as well - though on the moments she had tried the same method, she often went inside to the bar and serving area. If nothing else, whoever was behind the counter usually would chat with her. But it didn’t have quite the same atmosphere as out here. “Your love of Florean’s went away with age?” She questioned, unsure if he was merely just meaning he’d always loved it or if it did not hold as much of a place for him now that he was no longer in his boyhood. At his silence, Ece wondered if perhaps she had asked something too personal and nearly apologized for prying - except then he was answering so she remained silent. “It’s never a terrible answer if it’s honestly how you feel.” She replied, before considering further. “I can understand that however. It’s… a gift when you enjoy your life’s work, but when it places you in new surroundings when you don’t have anyone close to you it can be awfully isolating.” Not that it happened to her nearly as often as she was certain he experienced, but she was still feeling her own loneliness from having relocated away from her family. Her sister was now dating and it killed Ece that she had yet to meet them. Suddenly the conversation shifted to her, which saved her from having to think too much further on her own missing of her family and companionship, and instead she focused on the why of her being in Diagon Alley. “Work, actually!” She brightened, happy to shift to speaking of her own passion. “I had the opportunity to start a new enterprise here in Diagon Alley for longer term residency, so I moved here from my home in Istanbul. The Nesting Occamy is my establishment - so if you ever decide you do want to settle and this feels like home again, come see me.” She knew it sounded too much like a businessy pitch, but she hadn’t fully meant it to. She’d be happy to help if his circumstances ever changed! |
Truthfully, Terry didn’t see the need for Ece to change anything about her appearance. Not that he personally had a vain bone in his body and showering daily and the occasional trim of his beard was about as much effort as he’d put into his body. He thought there were other things that were more important so his opinion was one that shouldn’t matter. “I think it looks great as it does. Unless you wanted to change it in which case who am I to give any input?” He chuckled. It was true though, he was just a stranger and her hair was.. hers. Terry was much the same. His dorm at Hogwarts was full of Quidditch players and musicians and the ‘it’ crowd and despite trying to be involved in appreciating their talents, they just didn’t interest him in the same way. He was sure that when he spouted on about some creature or other, they weren’t interested either. It hadn’t stopped him from pursuing his passions though and look at where that had got him. “You mean the Red-Billed Oxpecker? They have a sort of symbiotic relationship in that the birds consume ticks and other pests from the Rhinos and are in turn protected from carnivores. Although more recent research shows that the birds are even more of a support system in that they give warning calls to approaching predators including us humans. Rhinos have notoriously bad eyesight you see..” He paused towards the end of his spiel, realising he had gone off on a tangent about a mundane creature the poor woman probably had no interest in. “We err.. We see a lot of big game animals out in the reserves. You learn quite a lot..” An animal was an animal whether it was magical or not. At the end of the day they could learn a lot from the animal kingdom over living harmoniously. “I might have been bitten once or twice” he laughed, agreeing with the statement. You didn’t work with magical creatures unless you had the scars to prove it. A love of ice cream was never a finite thing. “It’s more that I don’t have the opportunity to visit so frequently anymore. Unfortunately there’s not a Florean’s franchise in the savannas of Africa.” He had to expand his taste buds a little which meant saying goodbye to his beloved childhood treat temporarily. “That’s not to say I wouldn’t treat myself to a scoop or two whenever I’m home.” Maybe even three if he was feeling particularly daring. He simply nodded to her understanding of the isolation that his type of work brought about but said no more on the matter. It was a strange sensation, talking about himself, when he was so used to his small team of conservationists in the middle of nowhere. The conversation moving swiftly on to Ece and what she was doing in Diagon Alley was hugely appreciated. The man turned his body slightly towards her, an indication that he was all ears to what she was saying. The admission that she was from Istanbul was received by a knowing smile, impressed that he was able to place her lilt somewhere in that region. “Well.. if I do ever decide to relocate back here and get a normal job, I’ll be sure to swing by.” Despite being in his forties, he had never had a place to call his own. It was all travel and safari tents and strange little cabins in the wood and living out of a single suitcase for him. |
While there might not have been specifically a need, sometimes it was fun to just shake things up. And while Ece had had plenty of changes in the last few years, her new life in Diagon Alley was starting to grow a little comfortable. Which naturally meant it was up for shaking things up a little bit - even if it was something as miniscule and unexciting as a simple hair change. “Thank you for the compliment. Sometimes change is just welcome.” And honestly, the frizz truly was annoying and she hadn’t considered the idea that chopping it off would simply eradicate that minor annoyance. When Terry spoke a bird’s name, she blinked at him unsure how to respond considering she very much didn’t know if that was the one she was thinking of or not. But considering he was the expert in their vicinity, she was inclined to believe him - even if she’d only known him for a few moments. His own passion and enthusiasm for his work was clear which probably helped to aid of why he came across so easily trustworthy as well on this subject. Thankfully though too, she didn’t even need to worry about how to reply considering he was continuing on in a fact dump - which did not at all uninterest her. In fact, the way one of the largest of the animal kingdom learned to rely on someone so small was kind of a heartwarming tale. “I love that!” She commented, enthusiastically. “Well, perhaps not about the poor rhinos not being able to see well, but just the harmony of how the two creatures live together - how their unlikely friendship benefits each other.” Though perhaps using the term friendship was romantizing it a bit too much but… oh well. “Do you just learn a lot from being in the vicinity of the creatures or do you also look into a lot just for the fun of it?” She sometimes would read current tenant laws of other countries - places that truly had nothing to do with her work. But… it was interesting! “I figured as much.” She replied, a small smile as she laughed as well. “We really should talk to the current owner about that.” She mused. Imagine a Florean’s that could be found anywhere. Or at the very least, a magical delivery service so anyone could enjoy the nostalgic creamery from anywhere in the world. Actually, maybe she should be posing that idea to some of her favorite places from back in Istanbul. She certainly missed some of the old delicacies. “I suppose that makes sense. What are things that you found you enjoyed the most food wise in Africa?” At his assurance he’d seek her out should he choose a future career change, she simply smiled and gave a nod - reminding herself to drop a card by for him later too, just in case. Realizing there had been a difference in his smile for a moment related to her home, she tilted her head with a bit of amusement. “Is it terribly obvious I’m not from around here?” |
Regretfully Terry was not the best at dishing out compliments. It wasn’t that he didn’t mean them but rather that he always felt a little awkward and insincere when he said them even when they were honest. He had never been the most serious of people, certainly not whilst at school anyway. It could explain why he had found himself single after all these years. “As you can probably tell I haven’t changed much in a long time” he chuckled ruffling out his own messy blonde hair and touching his unshaven chin. “There aren’t many barbers in the African Savannah and I don’t think I trust myself enough to do it.” He wasn’t the best at Transfiguration spells either. His complicated spiel over the inter-species relationships between Rhinos and Oxpeckers was seemingly received by an interested companion which didn’t always occur. Some loved to hear of his experiences with creatures all over the world and others couldn’t care less. He knew which of those were his people. “I think there’s a lot to learn from the animal kingdom. They all seem to live quite symbiotically and its humans that ruin it all.” A pessimistic view of humanity maybe but it was his honest opinion. Terry wasn’t the type to sit and read for hours but when a subject piqued his interest enough he could divulge in a book or two. “You mostly learn on the go. It’s more the other people that you meet who are so full of information to share that you just sort of.. absorb it.” He liked to think that he could equally share an interesting tidbit or two in return. “Do you know them personally?” he asked. He thought it would be a great idea. A sort of home away from home type of comfort plus with some of the exotic locations he visited he could do with a Florean’s to cool off with. With that being said, the man had expanded his cuisine enough to enjoy the local delicacies too. “There’s this incredible dish called Bobotie. It’s a rice based dish with minced meat and fruit blended with all these spices and a sort of eggy-custard type topping. It tastes a lot better than it sounds believe me.” He was practically salivating thinking about it. Her accent he had only picked up on because he was well traveled and had frequently met others from all walks of life. “No not at all.” |
Compliments were difficult so who could fault him for that? There was always a timing to them, and if you didn’t use the correct verbiage something that was meant to be nice came across as…. Not so much so. Actually, her own issues with such was probably why she also remained single. Or perhaps it had something more to do with the fact that while plenty of women had turned her eye in the Alley, she had not turned theirs. Even if she also hadn’t tried THAT hard. Rejection was scary. “Truthfully? I wouldn’t know. How quickly facial hair grows for men is something that has eluded me.” Was it quickly? Because it seemed like someone was clean shaven one day and scruffy the next. “I assumed the long was just a stylistic choice. It’s fun, gives a less serious look.” Which hopefully he didn’t take offense to, because he struck her as someone laid back in the brief conversation they’d had. Which was not a negative, at least in her book. Perhaps it was pessimistic, but she couldn’t fault him for that either. She had an overall positive outlook of humans in general - her primary clientele as they were - but that didn’t mean she hadn’t encountered some particularly sour individuals. “You’re probably right about that. Say, do you know, is there any species of animals that have internal squabbles over emotions? Or is it always over basic needs?” Like food aggression or what could come from mating. Well, he was certainly teaching her in conversation. It was possibility she would not learn by osmosis the way he seemed to prefer, especially with this not being her primary field, but she was interested in the conversation and the knowledge he was sharing in the moment nonetheless. “I imagine you have met some truly fascinating people in your travels, too!” Pessimistic view of them or not. The Floreans current owner? Ece gave a small nod of her, smiling a bit. “I’ve been lucky enough to get to meet almost all the individuals currently working in Diagon Alley in my time here.” It was mainly in her role on the council that had allowed her to do so, which she was eternally grateful the other owners had given her the opportunity when she’d moved into town. She did not know them well enough however to guess how they would take the suggestion. It was something she might not actually be brave enough to offer an opinion on, but perhaps. Listen, she was skeptical at the idea of meat and fruit combined together but…. She supposed she would take his word for it. “If I get the opportunity, I’ll make sure to try it!” |
Terry had never taken much interest in his appearance, even during his schooling days. The beard had come after graduation from pure laziness and it had stuck. He never let it get quite this unkempt however until he was without access to basic grooming equipment. “It depends on the person. Thankfully mine isn’t too quick growing or else it would be down here.” He indicated to the middle of his chest. The Dumbledore look wouldn’t suit him, he didn’t think. “Thank you” he chuckled accepting the compliment. It was a look that would be sticking for a while until he settled again. Ece was doing nothing to quell his desire to talk about his passions. He appreciated her interest, even if it wasn’t genuine and it showed in the way that his face lit up as he spoke of his beloved creatures. “Most animals are constantly in survival mode and don’t have the time or resources to deal with emotions” he chuckled. Which was fair enough especially if situated somewhere at the bottom of the food chain. “That’s not to say that they aren’t capable of emotions. Take for example a herd of elephants. If a youngster were to fall into a hole or get stuck in mud, elephants will abandon their cause to rescue the baby even if it means endangering themselves.” There were so many other examples but as they were already talking of African animals it felt the most appropriate. “The same could be said of magical creatures, in fact they’re arguably even more aware of emotions than their muggle counterparts.” He wasn’t an expert in the psyche of creatures but it was a subject he would be interested in studying further. Terry was at heart a people person, even if he thought that humanity could do a better job of preserving its environment. The people often made his travels even better. “Absolutely! Everyone has a story to tell.” And considering being out in the savannah could be a little lonely at times, he always had the time to listen. Which was why he had changed the subject over to Ece and her time as a Diagon Alley Proprietor. “I bet there’s an equal number of interesting people here, it IS one of the best shopping streets in the magical community.” He’d visited quite a few but nothing quite compared to stepping foot on the cobbled streets for the first time. He understood that the dish might not have sounded like the best but its taste was surprising and it worked. “Trust me” he winked. For an ex-Slytherin, he was a terrible liar anyway. |
Open! Quinn discovered it was very important for her to take time for herself nowadays. She was sat in the courtyard of the Leaky Cauldron with her journal and a quill, drawing the assortment of flowers that were planted across the grass. Drawing plants had become a little hobby for her, and she had gotten quite good at it, actually. She was able to get the detailing of the veins within leaves and petals, and her perspective was getting better. Doing it with an ink pot and quill was her favorite; she liked how the tip of the quill was a very fine point that made detailing a bit easier. Drawing plants had been her way of grounding and relaxing herself when she was abroad. She would go out to a park, sit down and draw whatever was in front of her—an interesting tree, lily pads on a pond, even just the grass as times. It was easier when she was away to manage her thoughts, with her being so far from the source of them. Now she was back and everything was still a bit overwhelming for her, and after losing touch with most of her friends here she didn't have much of anyone to talk to outside of her family. Hence her trying to spend a little me time decompressing. She liked coming out to Diagon Alley because maybe someone she knew from a long time ago would pop up unexpectedly, and they would reconnect and everything would be like it was when she was younger. Well, not everything, hopefully, but at least the friendship. |
After a long shift at St. Mungo's, he relished the thought of taking the scenic route home, allowing himself to unwind before retreating to the flat above Scribbulus Writing Implements. The hustle of the hospital had drained his energy today, and he craved a few moments of peace. Dafydd stepped through the arched doorway of the Leaky Cauldron, leaving the vibrant chatter of patrons inside and the faint aroma of butterbeer. His eyes scanned the familiar sights as he walked into the courtyard. He had always appreciated what one of the previous owners of the pub had done with the space, transforming it into a cosy little nook that welcomed both locals and visitors alike. He recalled the few occasions from his youth when he had frolicked through the little garden and peered down at the koi swimming lazily in the pond. Taking this path again allowed him to soak in the nostalgia of it all. It was then that he spotted a figure, a quill poised over a journal, completely absorbed in her artwork. For a moment, Daf thought nothing of it and was planning on casually passing by in silence. But then he did a doubletake, his heart leaping when he recognised particular features he hadn't seen since ... Merlin, it has been years since they last crossed paths, when they were just little kids running around Hogwarts. "Quinn?" he called out. "Is that you?" |
Dafydd!!! Quinn was so focused on her work that she didn't notice that someone else had come out into the courtyard with her. It was only when someone said her name that she looked up with a start, nearly smudging her drawing. She gave him a once over—he looked to be about her same age, so he must have been someone she went to Hogwarts with for him to recognize her. She took a moment to take in his face, and there was a familiarity there that she couldn't place for half a second, until— "Dafydd?" Quinn dropped her quill into the ink pot and stood, giving him a big smile. She was going to give him a hug, but she hadn't seen him in almost nine years and she wasn't sure what level of familiarity he was comfortable with, so she thought against it. But the gleam in her eye couldn't hide the excitement of seeing an old friend. "Gosh, it's been ages, how are you doing?" |
Dafydd's heart warmed at the sight of Quinn's smile, the years melting away in an instant. "It really has been a long time!" he replied, his voice bright with genuine enthusiasm. "I can't believe it's you. I thought I was imagining things for a moment!" The former Hufflepuff stepped closer, the familiar feeling of camaraderie bubbling to the surface, and without thinking twice, he opened his arms for a hug. "I'm doing well. Just finished a long shift at Mungo's. You know how it is—patients don't heal themselves," he said, waving a hand dismissively as if to brush off the weight of work. Dafydd inhaled the fresh air of the courtyard, filled with the mingling scents of the garden's flowers and warm food from the pub. "Just passing through to wind down on my way home. The atmosphere here just has this comforting charm." "How about you? I see you're quite the artist now." He gestured to her journal, noting the delicate lines capturing the flowers with impressive detail. He paused, keenly aware of how much had changed since then. "It's good to see a friendly face and reconnect." His smile widened, genuinely eager to catch up and hear all about what Quinn had been up to. "What have you been up to all this time? Any wild adventures?" |
Quinn giggled as she went in for the hug, squeezing him tight. "Nope, really here," she laughed. "It doesn't quite feel real being back to me, either. But it's so good to see you!" Quinn nodded. She'd been spending a lot of time at the hospital herself, recently—a Muggle one, visiting her mother. "Wow, okay Mr. Healer, very impressive." She was genuinely impressed—she could cast healing spells fairly well, but being a Healer was an entirely different level. "But yeah, I like coming out here, too. It's lively but relaxing. Good for me to get out of the house, too." "Oh, thank you, but that's just a hobby, really," she said, glancing back at her journal and blushing a bit. "I haven't been back for long, so I've just been doing odd things until I find something more stable. I'm working as an Herbology tutor for kids at the moment, when I have some spare time." Right now her mother was taking up most of her attention. Stressful and frustrating as she may be, she's still Quinn's mother. "But I've been alright." "Gosh, I don't even know where to begin," Quinn said. She had been up to a lot, but there was so much family stuff along the way that she didn't want to weigh him down with. "After third year I switched schools to Durmstrang. Very cold up there, and dark a lot of the time. But it was alright. And after I graduated I kind of just...bounced around. I worked odd little jobs all over—Italy, France, Greece, Germany—and it was really fun to travel around." She thought of it more as running, truthfully, but life is all about framing, right? "I worked as a gardener, a bartender, I was a sewer for a fashion house in Paris for a bit. It really was a whirlwind. And I got back this past December. Being home is strange after so long away, but it's also...comforting. Like seeing an old friend, which I guess is a bit on the nose," she laughed, "but I do think I want to stay now. I've had my fun and it's time to settle. What about you, though—has it all been school and work or have you gone on any fantastic journeys?" |
"I can imagine it's a bit surreal to be back. But hey, now that you're here, maybe it'll start feeling more like home again, especially with a few familiar faces popping up." His eyes sparkled with warmth and a touch of nostalgia. Dafydd let out a low whistle as Quinn described her travels, clearly impressed by the colourful path she'd taken. "You've had a real adventure!" he said with a grin, shaking his head in admiration. "Sewing for a fashion house in Paris, bouncing around Europe, tutoring Herbology... That sounds like living to me. You must have stories to last a lifetime." He paused, considering her question, and chuckled. "Me? Not nearly as exciting as you. Mostly, yeah, it's been school and then work... you know, the Healer grind. Training was, well—intense, to say the least. And now that I'm out of training, I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of balancing it all at the hospital. There's always something to learn, and every day's different. A lot of pressure, too, but I can't imagine doing anything else." He tucked his hands in his pockets, leaning back against the courtyard wall. "That said, I did do a bit of travelling between all of that. Went to Atlantis and a few other locations here and there with my boyfriend—he's got a historian and archaeology background, so I get to join him on his ventures every now and then. We recently moved in together into a flat above Scribbulus." A slight pause followed before he spoke again. "Otherwise, my adventures at the moment have been more of the accidental 'where did I leave my wand this time' or 'Betty snuck out of the ward again' variety,” he joked, giving her a playful smile. |
Quinn laughed and rolled her eyes, thinking about the hijinks she had gotten into abroad. "Yeah, it was fun, and I have plenty of stories. Not all of them fun, but such is life. It was really good to get a look at different wizarding cultures and all that. The Greeks especially do it quite differently over there—well, most do magic the same way as us, but some still keep up with ancient tradition—from mythological times, you know? Wild rituals and things that I got invited to; fascinating to watch but I'd never do it myself." "Aw, I'm so happy for you both!" Quinn smiled and clapped a bit. "Kudos to you for getting through training and getting into the swing of work, I don't know if I could stand the pressure of it. Having someone's life literally in my hands...I might just crumble to pieces." She paused for a moment, thinking of her mother. "But you should be so proud of yourself," she said as she came back to reality, "and I'm sure your partner must be as well. And I'm glad you're able to get away from the stress with him from time to time. He must be so happy you get to go with him on his works trips, it sounds like a lot of fun." "That's the kind of stuff I missed while I was abroad—the mundanity of life. While I was going around everything felt so big and new, but nothing felt super..." Quinn paused while trying to find the right wording. "...like home, I guess. I couldn't really put down any roots, make a lot of lasting relationships, start on any career paths. I didn't have my own apartment, couldn't keep pets, no romances—well, serious ones, at least," Quinn giggled, "but that's what I really want now, I think. Something that's really mine. I need to figure out what I want to do with my life, I need my own place, I want to start dating. I've been thinking about applying to the Ministry, or maybe a shop in the Alley, or even just taking up teaching. Maybe I'll move in somewhere in the Alley, too, if there's an open apartment. She thought about it for a moment, having a place that overlooked the bustling street, plants around her and a mug of tea in hand as she people watched. "But I do think that the traveling was good for me, at least for where I was in life." Quinn shook her head. "God, sorry, I don't mean to just ramble all my thoughts at you. I just haven't had many people to talk to besides my family, recently," she chuckled awkwardly. This was a habit that had been hard for her to shake since she was a child—monologues about the things she liked, what she was thinking. She had learned to embrace that part of herself more, but was still cognizant that not everyone needed to hear her every waking thought. |
Dafydd chuckled softly, nodding in understanding as Quinn shared her thoughts. "I think it's fantastic that you got to experience all those different cultures and magical traditions," he said, his voice carrying a gentle sincerity. "It must've been wild to witness those ancient Greek rituals—the kind of magic you only read about in textbooks or hear in myths. I imagine it really opened your eyes to how vast and varied the wizarding world is "Thanks, Quinn," he said, his voice full of genuine appreciation for her words as a small smile spread across his face. "The pressure does get to me sometimes, but it's a good kind of pressure, you know? The kind that keeps your heart racing and your mind sharp, pushing you to always improve. It's a bit of a thrill, really, even when it’s overwhelming." A soft chuckle escaped him as he continued. "But yeah, I'm really lucky to have someone like Hartley. He's the grounding presence I need when work feels like too much, and traveling with him has been such a nice way to see the world through a whole new lens." He nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening into something more contemplative as Quinn shared her hopes for the future. "It's like you're always chasing something, but never quite catching it, yeah? It's really brave, though, to figure that out and know what you want now. I can't blame you for wanting something that's really yours—an apartment, pets, relationships. You'll find a way to make it all happen, I'm sure of it." He smiled fondly. "And as for the Ministry or teaching... well, they both suit you in their own way. But hey, if you decide on the Alley, I can refer you to Nesting Occamy Rentals. Hart and I went through them for our flat—it's cozy, has a great view, and the rent is pretty reasonable." When Quinn apologized, Dafydd shook his head with a quiet laugh. "No need to apologize at all! I enjoy hearing your thoughts, really. You've been all over the place, and, understandably, you have much to share. I'm happy to listen anytime." He smiled warmly, hoping his reassurance made her feel more at ease. |
Quinn nodded fervently. "It was genuinely eye opening. I mean, I only found out magic existed a year before I started at Hogwarts—I was a little bit of a late bloomer. So going to Hogwarts was already something of a crash course, and then to be able to travel and see different parts of the magical world, I finally feel like I have a grasp on things, you know?" She really meant it, too. Quinn felt out of place for so much of her life, even before all the magic, and she was finally starting to feel like she belonged in the magical community. She knew what she wanted for herself, it just took some time (and a couple jobs in different countries) to figure it out. "Well, I'm glad you're finding joy in the work," Quinn said with a little laugh. "I get what you mean, though. There's a certain fulfillment that comes with getting through a stressful situation. Like relief, but also a self-assuredness for being able to get through it." Quinn had felt that way a couple times, after finishing a touch assignment in school, finding and settling in at a new place while they were traveling, or getting through the tough parts of a job. "Whatever I feel must be tenfold for you, though, given the job description." Hearing about love always filled Quinn with glee. She had gotten less fearful of it through time and experience, but that nervousness surrounding it was still there, it was just shared with an eagerness as well. Quinn did a little clap of her hands with joy. "That's so sweet, Dafydd. He sounds wonderful! I'll need to meet him sometime." It was Quinn's turn for thanks, now. She was still not quite the best at taking compliments, so she smiled a little awkwardly. "Thank you, Dafydd. That's very sweet of you. I think I was definitely chasing something, but I was just as much running away, at least when I started out. So I don't know if I would call myself brave, per se. God, it's so cliché, but what I wanted the whole time was right where I started all along," she laughed humorlessly at herself. "But I'd love a referral, it sounds great to live here, just...not right now. I have to stay with my Gram for the time being. Maybe in a couple months though? I'll let you know." Quinn smiled back at him. "Thanks, but don't say that just to say it, because I'll end up talking your ear off, and then I'll be the one who has to heal you." She laughed again. |
Dafydd laughed along with her, his eyes crinkling warmly at the corners. "Late bloomer or not, it sounds like you've embraced it all with both hands. And honestly? That makes it all the more impressive. Coming into this world later and still finding your place—and now even exploring its corners abroad—takes a lot of courage." He nodded as she spoke about the feeling of fulfillment in overcoming challenges. "Exactly! It's that mix of relief and confidence—like, 'Yeah, I did that.' It's what keeps me going most days, even when things feel impossible. And, honestly, I think no matter the field, those moments of triumph are what make it all worth it." Her excitement about Hartley made him grin ear to ear. "He is wonderful, biased as I may be." Dafydd chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "And he'd love to meet you, I'm sure. Maybe when you're settled, we can have you over for tea or a meal at the flat. You'll have to tell him all about those Greek rituals—he'll eat it up." As Quinn reflected on her past and the idea of chasing and running, Daf's expression softened. "Hey, running away or not, it still brought you to where you are now, yeah? Sometimes we need to leave to realize where we want to be. It's not cliché if it's true." His smile widened. "And absolutely let me know when you're ready to move and are interested in the Alley flats." He laughed at her warning. "You can talk my ear off anytime, Quinn. I'm not worried about needing healing. Besides, I've seen worse injuries than that." His playful grin softened into something warmer. "Seriously, though. It's nice to see you figuring it out, piece by piece. And you've got a good way of talking that makes it fun to listen. There is certainly no need to hold back." |
Quote:
Quinn agreed with him wholeheartedly. The little wins are what make the day-to-day feel good and productive. "Yeah, that feeling of growing and getting better at what you're doing is really rewarding. It's part of the reason I've taken up so many different hobbies—like my drawing. It's just nice to see that I've made progress and met my goals." "Oh, I'd love to come over sometime! I can make whip something up to bring—what kind of desserts do you like?" Quinn was always eager to make something for a friend, and she hadn't been able to properly bake in a while so she was itching for it. "I can make just about anything, and if I don't then I'm sure I could figure it out!" Daf was right, and Quinn knew that, too. As much as she appreciated the experiences and knowledge she'd gained from her travels, she couldn't help but feel a little silly at the same time. She nodded. "Of course, and thank you again." "Well, I'm glad I've not just been boring you this whole time," she giggled. "And I'll certainly take you up on that, you've got some interesting conversation yourself. But there's no way I can keep you, you must be exhausted from work and I refuse to keep you from your boyfriend and your bed any longer. I'll let you know about the referral and the tea and everything, but you need to go to sleep—can't heal if you can't keep your eyes open!" Quinn teased with a wag of her finger. |
Long Distance Apparition The first thing Nadia noticed as she appeared once more was that she was now outside in comparison to the apparition room that she had just left. Good news number one. The second was that no part of her, especially her feet, was wet which was a bonus she was most grateful for. It meant she both hadn’t landed in either the pond or the fountain that were in the enlarged courtyard and that she wasn’t noticing the feel of any blood on her person from any splincing. Her gaze flickered around as she grounded herself, stumbling ever so slightly before quickly catching her balance. That didn’t count too much against her…right? Just gathering her land legs now that she was back on solid ground. Or rather on the stone of the path as it stopped a short distance from the edge of the pond. Was she close enough? Nadia looked around for the examiner taking further note of no injuries and no incident with anyone already there. The girl taking a deep breath as she awaited a response. |
Text Cut: Ms. Atreyu-Rehman Nadia was whole—no severed fingers or missing limbs, no blood. But Beitris' was not one to overlook small details. Her expression remained impassive, but her eyes noted every movement—Nadia's slight stumble, the subtle shift in her posture as she corrected herself. No collision with the pond, no unsuspecting passerby stumbling away in shock. The young witch had landed cleanly on the path. She made another neat notation on her parchment before stepping forward. "Next, we will proceed with another long-range Apparition. This time, your destination will be Purge and Dowse—the entrance to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries." The destination wasn't especially far—certainly closer than some of the locations she'd assigned to previous licence hopefuls. Yet it presented its own unique challenges, each carefully chosen to truly test the girl's aptitude for safe, precise Apparition in a Muggle location. "I will arrive shortly after you to verify your landing. As before, wait fifteen seconds, visualize with complete focus, then Disapparate. And remember: Destination. Determination. Deliberation." A single step back was taken, and with the familiar quiet crack of Disapparition, she was gone. OOC: Feel free to make a post here with your character departing via Apparition, otherwise please proceed to Purge and Dowse/the entrance to St. Mungo's. |
No real reaction but the scribbling of something more on the paperwork. Nadia supposed that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially since she was being told to move on to the next part of the exam, the examiner simply was no-nonsense. Purge and Dowse…another one of those locations that existed on the border of the magical and muggle world she certainly took note of. It made it all the more challenging. One had to be successful of not only apparition but careful concealment so no one who shouldn’t see what she had done did. At least it was another place she had some experience with. Maybe it would less intimidating if she pretended, she was simply going to see her brother, Raj. Yeah, that might work. Nadia listened carefully to the next batch of instructions, already trying her best to get an image of a safe spot to land at her intended destination. A place inside Purge and Dowse enough to be more magically connected than towards the muggle. Then once the examiner went away with a crack, she silently waited the requisite seconds, took a deep breathe as she secured her focus on her destination, gave herself a slow determined turn and disappeared with a crack of her own. |
For Whitney and Aurora... Sitting in the leaky courtyard grass, munching on a plate of fish and chips, and eyeing the fishes in the pond nearby was Ariadne. The darkhaired Rose triplet had left her siblings by the service counter because she was tried of waiting for Tiff and Johnny to decide on what dish they wanted. It had had already gone 20 mins or so and they were still debating fish or sandwich and so on, Fish and chips were best eaten warm, anyway. It was unbelievable that in just a few weeks she was starting OWL year at Hogwarts. She was a fifth year. It was also the year when you could become a prefect of your house. Ariadne knew it was a big responsibility, but it'd be a dream if she was chosen. Picking up a chip she eyed it thoughtfully before plucking it into her mouth murmuring to herself. "Can koi fish eat chips?" |
Quote:
As she made her way towards the pond, Aurora spotted Ariadne enjoying her lunch. "Hey!" she greeted the girl cheerfully before taking a seat beside her. She figured that her company would be welcome. "Oh, that's a good question." Now she was curious to see what would happen if they were given one. If they didn't like it, she would get them some fish food. She always fed the fish when she was here anyway. |
Quote:
|
Quote:
At the question, she turned her attention back to Ariadne. ”Yep, pretty much. What about you? You think you’ll be ready for OWLs?” Aurora felt that she might be. Really the only subject she was unsure about was Ancient Runes. She wondered if maybe Iris would help her if she asked. She definitely was better at that class than Aurora. ”Oh, true!” Honestly she hadn’t really given much thought towards Prefect. ”I think you’d be an awesome Prefect if you were chosen.” Nod. |
Quote:
Suddenly going red in the face by the praise Ariadne swallowed down the blush "Thanks Aurora, we'll see what the teachers decide. Who do you think will be our new head of house after Professor Burbage?" |
Quote:
BEAM. She was just being honest. She knew that Ariadne would do a good job if she got Prefect. "Honestly I'm not sure. It's a shame that Burbage stepped down even though I can understand why." She was such a kind ghost. At least she would still be teaching Astronomy though. |
Sage did not fidget. She did not pace, did not check the time more than necessary, and certainly did not hover like some anxious first year waiting to be Sorted. She walked with her weight evenly distributed between both feet on the charmed stone, watching with mild, clinical interest as the ground beneath her lit up in a clean outline of color with each step she took. Blue. Then orange. Then something offensively close to chartreuse. Her nose wrinkled at the lack of a discernible pattern. After a few more measured steps, heel to toe, Sage stepped off the stone entirely and onto the grass, abandoning the nonsense to those who found this particular brand whimsy tolerable. Worse still were the flowers that smelled of Butterbeer. "Completely unnecessary," she muttered under her breath, though she did take a second inhale—purely to confirm the accuracy of the scent. How had she never noticed this before during all her other trips to the Leaky over the years? Straightening, she brushed nonexistent debris from her hands and finally conceded to the fact that she had arrived early. Intentionally. Not that she would be acknowledging that. Instead, Sage reached into her bag and withdrew a magazine, its cover boasting bold lettering and an alarming number of exclamation points. She flipped it open with practiced efficiency, thumbing past pages of fluff until she landed precisely where she intended: the quiz section. What Magical Beverage Matches Your Soul? Her lips pressed into a thin line. The quiz was, objectively, ridiculous. The questions were poorly structured, the answers broad to the point of uselessness, and the entire premise relied on generalizations that would never hold up under proper scrutiny. …and yet she simply never could get enough of them. One of favorite forms of guilty pleasure. Sage shifted her weight, settling near the fountain now, just at the edge where the colored stone met the grass, pen out, and began completing it. And if her results were 'Butterbeer' she was going to write a formal complaint to the magazine for inferring she was basic. |
Your Zoeness <3 It was June 2119 and with it, came Hartley’s and Dafydd’s third wedding anniversary. This year, Hart had opted to go all out for the hubby. His plan of action? Surprising Hartley with something new every weekend, and in some cases, during the week days after they both returned home from work. There were surprise gifts from his travels to whichever region that his job might take him: to tropical climates, to regions where the weather could be described as mostly hyetal… you name it and most likely Hart had gotten something from there. Today, however, he had opted for a simple, local treat for Daf. He had informed the other man to meet him for lunch at the Courtyard of the Leaky so here Hartley was… holding a bouquet of two dozen roses for his love. In addition, he had ensured to order all of Daf’s favourite foods, so all that was remaining now was… well… one Dafydd Johanson-Stonewall :loved: |
Dafydd Johanson-Stonewall was not, by nature, a man easily surprised. Or rather, he liked to believe he wasn't. Yet he found himself momentarily stilled, standing just beyond the archway that opened into the courtyard of the Leaky Cauldron, having arrived a touch earlier than he'd let on. Hartley. Roses in hand. Two dozen, no less. The sight of them caught the light in such a way that they seemed to undulate gently in the summer air, as if stirred by some unseen magic rather than a passing zephyr. Subtle. Intentional. Very Hart. Dafydd exhaled, something warm and quiet unfurling in his chest. He couldn't help put momentarily reflect on the last three years of Hartley's constellations of affection, his careful, deliberate ways of saying I love you without ever needing to repeat the words aloud. Though, of course, he did. Often. And Dafydd wouldn't have wanted it any other way. He lingered a moment longer, unseen, allowing himself the indulgence of observation. The set of Hartley's shoulders, the slight tilt of his head as he scanned the courtyard, the unmistakable patience threaded through his posture. At last, Dafydd stepped forward, boots echoing lightly against the stone before his voice followed, warm and threaded with quiet amusement. "Now, if I didn't know any better," he began, gaze flicking from the roses to Hartley's face, lingering there just a moment too long, "I might think you were trying to outdo yourself this year." |
SPOILER!!: Hart's other half! <3 Hart was in the yare sort of mindset. Not just because he was all set physically and materially with his surprise for Hart, but because his mind was too. By that, he meant there was no nervousness, just pure calmness. As he waited, though it was unknown to him that his husband had already arrived, he reflected on this fact. He had always been the confident type; that is, until Daf had come along. Hartley had suddenly become a nervous wreck when it came to asking him out on dates, or sometimes overthinking that those dates were planned to the level that Daf deserved. That all changed now, but what hadn’t? The way the other man gave him butterflies in the stomach and the manner in which he stammered; Daf always had an unintentional way of messing with his mind. The Historian took a glance at his watch. There was still some time before Dafydd got there but that was okay. He liked to be prepared - hey! The hubby was there already! Hart jerked his head up, a huge and warm smile lighting up his face immediately. Oh, there were those butterflies again as he met his gaze. “Maybe I am.” Smirking, Hart closed the distance between them to envelope him into a hug. “Only the best of the best for you. Which includes these roses.” But he was hugging him so tightly, it was a minute before the other guy could actually accept them, when he was finally released. |
Dafydd let out a soft huff of laughter against Hartley's shoulder as the embrace tightened. For a moment, he didn't move to pull away, content instead to stand there with his arms wrapped around him, fingers pressing lightly into the fabric at Hart's back. "Careful," he murmured, voice low, threaded with that same quiet amusement, "you'll crush them before I even get the chance to truly appreciate them." When Hart finally released him, Dafydd took the roses into his hands, gaze dropping to them. He turned the bouquet slightly, noting the careful arrangement, the richness of the petals, the way they caught the light. It and the man who had gone through all this effort made his heart want to deliquesce. "You do realize," Daf replied, tilting his head just slightly, "that you're setting a precedent I'll be expected to match. And I'm not entirely convinced you understand the danger of that." The corner of his mouth lifted into a playful smirk. Still holding the roses in one hand, Dafydd stepped forward again, closing the distance between them. His free hand came up, brushing briefly along Hart's sleeve, an affectionate gesture that lingered just a second longer than necessary. "They're perfect," he added, softer now. "Unfairly so, actually. And you—" his gaze flicked over him "—you're looking quite dashing this evening." |
SPOILER!!: Sweet Dafydd <3 Hartley could not help it: he just got warm and fuzzy whenever he was around Daf. Sometimes it was difficult to comprehend the effects that came over him; he was also fortunate that Dafydd was not someone to take advantage of these effects. It had helped Hart open up and be vulnerable since their relationship began. Presently, he couldn’t help but let Daf’s warmth and scent envelope him. Sometime later, he was chuckling. “Well then, I’ll just save the further squishing for later. In the meantime, you can enjoy your roses.” With some reluctance, he let the other man go. Ugh. When did you become clingy, Hartley? he wondered. But the thought evaporated as he watched the keen eyes admire the flowers. In turn, Hart admired the owner of those keen eyes. “Oh really?” That smirk was matched. “Even though I’m not expecting you to match my gestures. I mean, not that you can’t and aren’t easily able to but I just don’t expect you to put in all that effort. Not that you would see it as something time consuming or difficult.” Hart stopped to draw breath. “And I’m rambling. Again. Which is all your fault because you always mess with my head.” The latter was said in jest, not to hurt his husband. Daf stepping closer again made his lips now take on that familiar goofy smile - again, compliments of the delightful other half. “You like?’’ He wiggled his brows flirtatiously. “I got all decked up for you, my love.” However, he wasn’t the main attraction - or the full-course meal - so Hart indicated their waiting table packed with all the mouth-watering goodies. “A feast just for you! I hope you’re ravenous.” |
Dafydd's smile deepened despite himself. There it was. The rambling. The unstoppable, endearing stream of words that seemed to emerge whenever Hartley was particularly flustered, particularly affectionate, or—as was often the case—both at once. "My fault?" he repeated, lifting a brow with mock innocence. "An impressive accusation, considering you're perfectly capable of talking yourself into circles without any assistance from me." The teasing lingered in his eyes as he reached up and briefly straightened the lapel of Hartley's jacket, fingers lingering there for a moment. He was, admittedly, rather pleased with the effort his husband had gone to. Though perhaps not nearly as pleased as he was by the fact that Hartley still looked at him as though he were something extraordinary after all this time. "Merlin, Hart." His gaze followed the indicated direction toward the table, taking in the spread waiting for them. The sight alone was enough to draw another quiet laugh from him. The affection in his voice was impossible to miss. "You weren't joking when you said a feast." His eyes drifted back to Hartley, the courtyard's afternoon light casting a soft, lambent glow across familiar features. For a moment, Dafydd simply looked at him, allowing himself to appreciate the man standing before him: thoughtful, generous, endlessly earnest. "You know," he said quietly, stepping closer once more, "I could've happily spent our anniversary sharing chips from a paper wrapper on a park bench with you." A pause. "That said..." His gaze flicked back toward the table, amusement returning. "I'm certainly not about to complain about this alternative." He leaned forward just enough to press a brief kiss to Hartley's cheek. "Happy anniversary, love." |
SPOILER!!: Sweet Dafydd <3 That look on Dafydd’s face, the so very soft one, told him that his flustered rambling had been recognised. Of course it was. From the moment Hartley had met Daf, he had been rambling, something which had never happened with anyone else. The fact that such a drastic change had been brought over his personality often left him in awe. It was a nice change, truth be told; a reminder of how much he loved the other man. Oh ha ha HA. The husband had jokes, did he? He fixed Daf with a fake unamused look. “I’m going to hit you back with the fact that I was never goofy until you came around. So yes. Your fault, my love.” His eyes remain transfixed on the supremely good looking guy, even when his head turned a bit to plant a small kiss on the hand fixing his lapel. He would be relieved that his efforts were appreciated because truly, sometimes he wasn’t sure he was able to keep up with Daf’s own gestures of love. It wasn’t a competition, Hart knew, but he needed to at least make an attempt. And yes. His better half was someone phenomenal. Hart stood there, mightily pleased that he had at least managed to surprise Daf. “Nope! I wasn’t. Nothing’s too much for you, you know.” Cue an extra goofy grin from him, especially when he realised that Dafydd was gazing at him. Also cue all his thoughts evaporating from his head. “Er…” How did he reply to that when he was supposed to process the words said to him first? But also, how was Hartley supposed to process things when his brain refused to cooperate? It was actually the warmth of Daf’s lips against his cheek that brought him back to reality a bit. “Happy anniversary, babe.” Longer kisses would have to wait until they got back to their place. But for now… “Shall we eat?” |
"Ah, so we're rewriting history now?" he asked with a quiet laugh. "I refuse to believe I created the goofiness from nothing. At most, I uncovered it." He brushed his thumb briefly across Hartley's knuckles before adding, with unmistakable fondness, "And, for the record, I consider that one of my greater accomplishments." The feast spread before them was every bit as impressive up close as it had been from across the courtyard. Dafydd took in the assortment of dishes, recognising favourite after favourite among them, and shook his head with quiet disbelief. "Honestly, Hart, at this rate you're going to convince the entire wizarding world that I'm secretly royalty." He pulled out a chair before setting the bouquet down carefully, ensuring not a single petal was disturbed. Only then did he settle into his seat, his gaze returning to Hartley with that steady warmth that never seemed to fade. "Thank you," he said simply. Not for the roses. Not for the meal. For all of it. For every thoughtful gift gathered from distant corners of the world. For every small act of devotion that Hartley seemed to perform as naturally as breathing. When nectarous drinks were brought to the table, Dafydd lifted his glass, pausing before taking a sip. "A toast?" One eyebrow arched. "To a husband who somehow manages to be simultaneously brilliant, ridiculous, thoughtful, stubborn, generous, and impossibly handsome." His smile widened slightly. "To another year of marriage and many more years ahead." He gestured, his glass tipping gently toward Hartley's. |
SPOILER!!: Hart’s other half! <3 Hartley couldn’t help it; he too laughed. “Okay, I can agree with that. That being said, this is just a simple reminder that all this goofiness is just for you.” He wasn’t sure how romantic that sounded, or indeed, how romantic it actually was but it was the truth. But judging from the latter words coming out of Daf’s mouth, the husband still loved the goofiness. “Careful now, my love. I think I see your head inflating slightly due to some ego.” Ah, how Hart LOVED teasing the man before him! He suddenly gasped quite dramatically but of course it was in a playful nature. “You mean… you’re NOT royalty? Was I duped into thinking I was marrying into royal blood?” HA. As if that mattered to him. Daf was perfect, lineage and all. Just look at the careful way he was ensuring that no harm came to those roses; clearly those were treasured roses. It made Hart think of how Daf was with him: just as tender and loving. Yeah… he couldn’t have picked a better partner for himself. Wait, strike that. He was lucky that Daf had chosen HIM. The Historian plopped onto the seat close to his heart. “You’re welcome,’’ he replied with all the warmth and love. Dafydd’s words of gratitude were simple but he needn’t say more; everything was understood. Hart genuinely enjoyed planning and executing all the lovely gestures for him, be it big ones or small ones. His own glass was seized as Daf suggested a toast.What a brilliant toast! Hart grinned. “I couldn’t put that better myself. Big fan of being referred to as ‘ridiculous’, by the way, babe.” Because yes… he could be! “Here’s to you, Daf, for always loving and being patient with me. I would choose you to be mine in every lifetime. To many more years of togetherness!” His glass met the other halfway in a delicate but firm clink, sealing the promises. Hart then drank deeply from his. |
"Just for me, hmm?" Dafydd's laugh came easily at Hartley's declaration. One brow lifted. "Well, now I feel rather privileged. Imagine having exclusive access to all this goofiness." The teasing warmth in his eyes only deepened at the mention of his ego. "My ego?" he repeated. "I seem to recall a certain husband informing me approximately five minutes ago that nothing is too much for me. If anyone's responsible for inflating my sense of self-importance, I suspect it's you." The dramatic gasp that followed earned another shake of his head. "I'm afraid not. No royal blood. No secret inheritance. No hidden kingdom waiting to be reclaimed." His gaze flicked briefly toward the roses he had carefully set aside. "Though if there were, I imagine you'd still find a way to make a bigger fuss over me than any royal court ever could." As they settled at the table, he found himself watching Hartley for a moment after the other man sat down. There was something endlessly endearing about the way Hart seemed so genuinely pleased by his own efforts whenever they were appreciated, which they always were. The sight had an uncanny ability to kindle the same quiet affection in Dafydd no matter how many times he witnessed it. The toast drew a soft smile from him, one that only grew when Hart immediately latched onto a single word: ridiculous. "Of course that's the part you focus on," he said dryly. "Well," he said quietly once Hart had finished, lifting his glass once more, "someone has to keep you from accidentally adopting every stray creature, cursed artefact, and questionable project that crosses your path." His tone was light, the affection beneath unmistakable. "And for the record, patience has very little to do with it." He reached across the table, his fingers brushing briefly against Hartley's hand. "You're worth it." Simple. Matter-of-fact. Entirely true. Dafydd finally took another sip of his drink before setting the glass aside. "Now," he continued, glancing toward the impressive spread of food between them, "tell me honestly—how long have you been planning this?" His eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. He knew the look of a man who'd been secretly orchestrating something for a while. |
SPOILER!!: Hart’s other half! <3 “Just for you!” Hart happily confirmed. He had no qualms about that entire aspect of his personality being all for the man before him. In any case, every aspect of him was Daf’s. “I’m glad you recognise that, babe. I know you haven’t any doubts about it but it’s a reminder nevertheless.” Oh yes, that teasing was noted; clearly teasing was something that neither of them would quench when it came to the other. Okay, Dafydd had him there and he told him as much, laughing in amusement as this was done. “So that means I’ll be inflating that ego rather often then. Oh no, I fell into my own trap.” Cue the fake look of horror! That look quickly melted into a soft one. Of course there was no concern, nor would there ever be, with regard to any sort of royalty. That didn’t mean there wouldn’t be any more teasing. “Of course! Only the best and the loudest ways, within reason, to show my love for you.” Would Daf ever get used to that? Hart hoped not! The Historian had been busy inspecting - yet again! - the spread he had ordered. Everything was still in tip-top shape, which was a relief. But then he felt those eyes on him and he looked up to meet the other pair. Such gorgeous, gorgeous eyes! It would be easy for anyone to drown in them. Hart didn’t say anything to that, simply beamed a million-watt smile. Which he supposed was a reply itself to Daf. Yep, he liked when his hubby called him ‘ridiculous’! “Oh! Is that the reason you married me?” he asked brightly. “To keep me in check?” Then he got a little serious, definitely shifting the lightheartedness of their conversation. “But I am always grateful for you looking out for me.” There was a wiggle of eyebrows from him as that question was tossed out. “For a while. I needed to ensure everything was perfection. Just wait until you see what else is in store for you, babe!” Hart tapped his chin thoughtfully. “By the way,’’ he asked casually. “Do you have a wishlist?” Perhaps Christmas can come early for the love of his life, and Hart would be playing the part of Santa. Ho Ho Ho! |
A smile curved immediately at the emphatic confirmation. "I should certainly hope so," he replied, entirely unrepentant. "It would be rather disappointing to discover you've been sharing my exclusive supply of Hartley goofiness with the general public." His gaze warmed as he looked at him. The look of mock horror earned a laugh that Dafydd made no effort to suppress. "Oh, you've absolutely fallen into your own trap." He lifted his glass slightly in acknowledgment. "Years of compliments. Years of grand gestures. Years of insisting I'm apparently worthy of the moon and stars. The ego never stood a chance." The softness that followed Hart's next words drew an equally fond look from him. "No," he admitted. "I don't think I'll ever get used to it." Nor did he particularly want to. "That was only one of the reasons." Dafydd's tone remained perfectly serious for approximately half a second. "Another was the hope that one day I'd finally discover the upper limit of your enthusiasm." He shook his head lightly. "Three years later and I'm beginning to suspect there isn't one." The sincerity that followed caused his own teasing expression to fade. His hand shifted across the table, resting briefly atop Hartley's. "You never need to thank me for that." Looking out for Hart had never felt like an obligation. It was simply something he wanted to do. Dafydd pointed at him immediately. "There it is. The plotting." His eyes narrowed with playful suspicion. "I knew it." The mention of more surprises only confirmed every suspicion he had been developing over the course of the anniversary celebrations. And the question about a wishlist earned a thoughtful hum. "A wishlist..." he repeated. His gaze drifted briefly toward the courtyard before returning to his husband. "Honestly? Not many things." Material gifts had never held much appeal compared to shared experiences. After a moment, a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Though if you're asking because you're secretly planning something—and let's be honest, you absolutely are—I suppose my answer is simple." His fingers brushed lightly against Hartley's as he beamed radiantly back at him. "More time with you." |
SPOILER!!: The <3 Hartley huffed playfully. “I promise you that the chances of that are zero.” His word about goofiness was like one of those wedding vows, one that he intended to keep for as long as he lived. He really liked that he found something else that was a first when it came to Daf - the other being his heart. Ah, that laughter! His heart soared even higher upon hearing it. “I think this is the kind of trap I can get used to!” Hart bobbed his head enthusiastically. “And babe? You are worthy of the moon and stars.” So how Daf ended up choosing someone as goofy as him, he did not know. THREE years later. Wow, where had the time gone? “I don’t think there’s one either. But who knows?” Hart smiled mysteriously. “It might be a good thing that all my secrets aren’t yet revealed.” Those eyebrows of his wiggles playfully. Goodness, his happiness knew no bounds when it came to his person! Even Hart wasn’t sure how it could be but the simple gesture of Daf resting a hand on his was enough to make his heart explode with even more happiness. “I love that you look out for me, as I do for you. I just need you to know that I love you for that. I can’t help the gratitude that flows through my veins every time I think of all you do for me.” Even more, he was grateful that they were partners. Then he was cackling as Dafydd pointed at him ‘accusingly’. Wasn’t it lovely how they could go from heartfelt conversations to playful ones? “When it comes to you, babe, there’s always plotting involved. Why did Hartley know that that wishlist would not be an extensive one? As he watched his hubby, he turned his hand upwards so that he would be able to intertwine their fingers. He then gave Daf’s a squeeze. “Ugh. Why are you positively the sweetest? Your wish is my command, Daf. I promise you’ll have lots more time with me.” How this man had managed to unlock so much love from him, Hart did not know. He just knew that he didn’t ever wish for it to be locked away. Ever. |
Dafydd regarded him with exaggerated solemnity, though the amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth rather undermined the effect. "Good. I would hate to learn that the public has been receiving even a fraction of what I was assured was mine exclusively." His expression softened as his gaze settled on Hartley. "Your heart included." The declaration about the moon and stars earned a quieter smile. Even after all their years together, Hartley still possessed an uncanny ability to say such things with complete sincerity, as though Dafydd's worth were an indisputable fact rather than a matter of opinion. "You realise statements like that are precisely how you ended up trapped beneath my rapidly expanding ego," he pointed out. His thumb brushed affectionately across Hartley's knuckles. "Although, for what it's worth, I consider myself rather fortunate that you chose to fall into it with me." Three years. It was difficult to reconcile the number with how naturally Hartley had woven himself into every part of Dafydd's life. There were moments when their wedding seemed like yesterday and others when he could scarcely recall what home had felt like before it included Hart's laughter, his relentless enthusiasm, and the unmistakable evidence of his latest project scattered across some previously tidy surface. Dafydd narrowed his eyes at the mysterious smile and animated eyebrows. "That sounds remarkably like a threat disguised as flirtation." He leaned back slightly, studying his husband with theatrical suspicion. "How many secrets are we discussing? And, more importantly, do any of them involve international travel or objects you were specifically advised you not to touch?" The teasing left his features as Hartley spoke, replaced by something gentler and infinitely more sincere. His gaze lingered on Hartley for a quiet moment before he added, ardently, "I know. And I hope you know the same is true for me. I would make that choice every single day." His fingers threaded easily through Hartley's when the other man turned his hand, tightening around them at the squeeze. "Lots more time," Daf repeated, as though committing the promise carefully to memory. "Good. I fully intend to hold you to that." He lifted their joined hands and pressed a brief kiss against Hartley’s knuckles. |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 04:32 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.3.2 © 2009, Crawlability, Inc.
Site designed by Richard Harris Design